As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, one Greenwood resident is honoring the milestone in an extraordinary way.
Connor Bibiano of Greenwood will embark on a 250-mile run across Arkansas, carrying the American flag every step of the journey in tribute to the men and women who have served the United States and sacrificed for the nation’s freedoms.
The run begins July 1 at the Rail Trailhead in De Valls Bluff and concludes on the morning of July 4 in Greenwood, where Bibiano will complete the final 3.1 miles alongside participants in the annual Greenwood Freedom Fest 5K.
The event commemorates 250 years of American independence, with each mile representing one year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
“Every mile will be a representation of one of the 250 years the United States has had independence,” Bibiano said. “This run is my way of showing the utmost respect to those who have served, made sacrifices and carried responsibilities long before I did.”
Over the course of approximately 80 hours, Bibiano plans to run 250 miles, climb more than 7,000 feet of elevation, and carry the American flag for the entire journey.
Crossing Arkansas
Bibiano’s route will take him through numerous Arkansas communities, including Hazen, Carlisle, Lonoke, Little Rock, Maumelle, Mayflower, Conway, Morrilton, Atkins, Russellville, London, Knoxville, Lamar, Clarksville, Hartman, Coal Hill, Altus, Ozark, Mulberry, Alma, Van Buren, Fort Smith, Barling and finally Greenwood.
The daily schedule includes:
- Day 1: 72 miles
- Day 2: 82 miles
- Day 3: 96 miles
Supporters will be able to follow the run through live tracking, which will be activated the morning of July 1.
Running for Those Who Served
The historic run is also a fundraiser benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, with donations supporting programs that improve the lives of wounded veterans and their families.
Bibiano said honoring those who served is at the heart of the event.
“In celebration of 250 years of American independence, I will be carrying the U.S. flag across the state of Arkansas for 250 miles, showing my utmost respect to the ones who have served, made sacrifices and carried responsibility long before I did,” he said.
Donations can be made through his fundraising page at gofund.me/fd251f2aa.
A Community Invitation
Bibiano hopes Arkansans will come out along the route to cheer him on—or even join him for a portion of the journey.
“This only happens once,” he said. “Whether you walk or run, let’s celebrate together how far the greatest country in the world has come on its semiquincentennial anniversary.”
The 250 Mile Run will take place July 1-4, 2026, culminating in Greenwood’s Independence Day celebration and serving as a moving tribute to America’s 250 years of freedom while supporting those who have defended it.
