SHREVEPORT, La. — Hundreds gathered Friday morning along St. Vincent Avenue to kick off the Fourth of July with a burst of energy and patriotism during the Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K Race for Research and Healthwalk.
The long-running community event drew close to 2,000 runners, walkers and stroller-pushers to St. Vincent Mall. All were eager to tackle the challenging South Highlands course and support a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the race benefit the Spine Institute of Louisiana Foundation, which funds medical research and education. The foundation also returned this year as the title sponsor.
While the race has grown into a major holiday tradition, it remains rooted in honoring the lives of three beloved Sportspectrum supporters: Ran Kiper, Jim White and Robin Fell…