Runners (and their dogs) get patriotic at ‘Run in the Parks’ in Laguna Niguel

Christine Baker of Laguna Niguel, her daughter Charlotte Baker, 4, and their dog, Bella Boots, run together in the annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Gabriel Penix, playing Uncle Sam on stilts, jokingly plays cornhole with park-goers in Crown Valley Park during Laguna Niguel’s annual “Run in the Park” on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Gabriel Penix, playing Uncle Sam on stilts, hands an American flag to Aliza Roseth-Saltz, 4, of Mission Viejo during Laguna Niguel’s annual “Run in the Park” on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Janet O’Faolain of Laguna Hills, and her dog Lacey, participate in the “most patriotic dog competition” at the 40th annual “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Carolyn Yatco, left, of Laguna Hills, and her daughter Sarah Yatco of Redondo Beach, both former Laguna Niguel residents, run together in the annual “Run in the Park” 4th of July 5K in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Janet O’Faolain of Laguna Hills, and her dog Lacey, participate in the “most patriotic dog competition” at the 40th annual “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Nathanial Allenby, dressed as Uncle Sam, entertains kids and other with his juggle tricks at the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

A group of friends arrives at the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” at Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Runners take off for the start of the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel, benefiting the local YMCA’s scholarship program, on Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Circus performers dressed as Uncle Sam, Nathanial Allenby, left, and Gabriel Penix entertain athletes at the starting line of the annual “Run in the Park” 5K and 10K in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Catrina McAlster of San Clemente crosses the finish line, finishing as the first female and fourth overall, at the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Runners make their way along a trail that connects Crown Valley Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Park during the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks,” benefiting the local YMCA’s scholarship program, in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Brad and Brigit Marrett of Aliso Viejo run while their kids, Everly and Jack, get a free ride in a stroller as they participate together in the annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Runners take off for the start of the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel, benefiting the local YMCA’s scholarship program, on Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Runners make their way along a trail that connects Crown Valley Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Park during the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks,” benefiting the local YMCA’s scholarship program, in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Tiffany Gunnemann of Mission Viejo carries her dog, Gatsby, as they participate in the annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” at Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Runners cover their hearts during a singing of the National Anthem before the start of the 40th annual “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Juggler Nathanael Allenby, dressed as Uncle Sam, entertains athletes at the starting line of the annual “Run in the Park” 5K and 10K in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Rickey Barnes of Laguna Niguel holds Audrey Kluvo, 2, on his shoulders while they cheer on friends and family members during the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Maryanne Rose of Laguna Niguel gets her dog, Cali, ready for the “most patriotic dog competition” during the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” on Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Carlos De Jesus of San Clemente crosses the finish line to win the 5K at the 40th annual 4th of July “Run in the Parks” in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (Photo By Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)