Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck
From Epic Races, LLC/Angela Carron
- Date Sat 4th July 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Price Free - $55.50
- Races 12 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in style at the Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K, hosted by Epic Races, LLC, and organized by the dynamic Angela Carron! On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, join us in downtown Ann Arbor for a festive morning filled with running, walking, or rucking along a spirited 3.1-mile course that kicks off at the iconic intersection of Liberty and 4th. This vibrant event is perfect for participants of all ages and abilities, offering a variety of divisions including the competitive Rucking Division, where you'll carry a weighted backpack, the Flag Carrying Division, where you'll proudly display an American flag, and even a Hot Dog Eating Division to truly embrace the holiday spirit.
The day’s festivities begin bright and early with packet pick-up starting at 6:30 AM, leading into a series of events including a thrilling 200-meter Kids Dash for our youngest firecrackers. With thousands of spectators cheering you on, you’ll finish the race in a spectacular star-spangled atmosphere. After the race, families can continue the celebration by joining the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity
The day’s festivities begin bright and early with packet pick-up starting at 6:30 AM, leading into a series of events including a thrilling 200-meter Kids Dash for our youngest firecrackers. With thousands of spectators cheering you on, you’ll finish the race in a spectacular star-spangled atmosphere. After the race, families can continue the celebration by joining the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity
Organiser's Description
Kick off your Fourth of July the Epic Races way: join us in downtown Ann Arbor on the 4th of July for our classic Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck! Our 3.1-mile course gets underway at a truly red, white, and blue locale: the intersection of Liberty and 4th... where else would you start a race on the 4th of July? Racers then loop around downtown and come in for a spectacular star-spangled finish in front of thousands of spectators.
2026 Schedule of Events:
6:30 AM Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration open
7:45 AM Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration close
7:47 AM Hot dog eaters to the stage
7:50 AM Pacers to line up
7:52 AM Remarks
7:55 AM National Anthem
8:00 AM 200-meter Kids Dash
8:05 AM Ruckers Start
8:08 AM Hot Dog Eating
8:10 AM 5K Start
8:20 AM 1 Mile Fun Run Start
Add an all-American angle to your outing by opting for one of our 3 special holiday divisions:
It's Back for 2026
Rucking Division: Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a staple of military training, as soldiers must be able to carry weapons, food and other supplies for long distances. Embrace an even HEAVIER challenge when you sign up for the Ruck Division.
The Flag Carrying Division: Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.
Hot Dog Eating Division: Its simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge up to 20 competitors will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway. Consider it our version of the world-famous Nathans Hot-Dog Eating Contest, which is held annually in New York City every Independence Day.
Don't have the time for 5K? Try our timed 1-Mile Fun Run! A fun, friendly course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage. Whether you choose to make it competitive or relaxed, enjoy this frolic through downtown on the 4th of July!
Our littlest firecrackers are invited to make a bang all their own in our Kids 200-Meter Dash. Open to competitors ages 8 and under, our Kids Dash offers children the opportunity soar like eagles down Liberty Street, completing their race at the same finish line as Mom or Dad!
Kids can continue celebrating Independence Day at the corner of State and William, where they can take part in the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade (accompanied by a parent or guardian)!
The Firecracker 5K is walker friendly!
Sunglasses and medals for all participants in all divisions!
ZERO WASTE
The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running! [https://happyplanetrunning.com/]
2026 Schedule of Events:
6:30 AM Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration open
7:45 AM Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration close
7:47 AM Hot dog eaters to the stage
7:50 AM Pacers to line up
7:52 AM Remarks
7:55 AM National Anthem
8:00 AM 200-meter Kids Dash
8:05 AM Ruckers Start
8:08 AM Hot Dog Eating
8:10 AM 5K Start
8:20 AM 1 Mile Fun Run Start
Add an all-American angle to your outing by opting for one of our 3 special holiday divisions:
It's Back for 2026
Rucking Division: Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a staple of military training, as soldiers must be able to carry weapons, food and other supplies for long distances. Embrace an even HEAVIER challenge when you sign up for the Ruck Division.
The Flag Carrying Division: Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.
Hot Dog Eating Division: Its simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge up to 20 competitors will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway. Consider it our version of the world-famous Nathans Hot-Dog Eating Contest, which is held annually in New York City every Independence Day.
Don't have the time for 5K? Try our timed 1-Mile Fun Run! A fun, friendly course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage. Whether you choose to make it competitive or relaxed, enjoy this frolic through downtown on the 4th of July!
Our littlest firecrackers are invited to make a bang all their own in our Kids 200-Meter Dash. Open to competitors ages 8 and under, our Kids Dash offers children the opportunity soar like eagles down Liberty Street, completing their race at the same finish line as Mom or Dad!
Kids can continue celebrating Independence Day at the corner of State and William, where they can take part in the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade (accompanied by a parent or guardian)!
The Firecracker 5K is walker friendly!
Sunglasses and medals for all participants in all divisions!
ZERO WASTE
The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running! [https://happyplanetrunning.com/]
Races
-
5K Run & Walk
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$55.50
Run or walk our classic Firecracker 5K (3.1 miles) on our flat and fast course! -
5K Rucking Division
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$55.50
First 200 to register for the Rucking Division get a commemorative patch! Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. To qualify for the competitive rucking division: Participants weighing 149lbs or less, a 10-pound weight is required Participants weighing 150lbs or more, a 20 pound weight is required. Note: Weighted vests and plate carriers are allowed and do qualify. LEOs, Military, and Firefighters in full gear also qualify for the competitive rucking division. Finishers who pass all weight requirements will qualify for overall and age-group awards. Rucks will be weighed at the finish line and must remain compliant with the prescribed weight from start to finish. -
5K Flag Carrying Division
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$55.50
Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted American flag from start to finish. -
5K Hot Dog Eating Division
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$55.50
Its simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge up to 20 competitors will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway. Consider it our version of the world-famous Nathans Hot-Dog Eating Contest, which is held annually in New York City every Independence Day. -
1-Mile Fun Run
Incl. $4.90 Fee & Event T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$44.90
Try our timed 1-Mile Fun Run! A relaxed course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage. Whether you are running for a PR or just out the enjoy the festivities, this is a fun, friendly frolic on the Fourth of July! -
Kids 5K (10 and Under) (Free With Paid Adult)
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
Free
An event for children ages 10 and under. -
Kids 1-Mile Fun Run (10 and Under) (Free With Paid Adult)
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
Free
An event for children ages 10 and under. -
200m Kids' Dash (8 and Under) (Free With Paid Adult)
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
Free
An event for children ages 8 and under. The Kids' Dash is an untimed event and non competitive. -
Kids 200m Dash (8 and Under)
Incl. $3.46 Fee
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$19.46
An event for children ages 8 and under. The Kids' Dash is an untimed event and non competitive. -
Virtual 5K
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
$55.50
Run or walk where you want and when you want and we will send your shirt and medal to you! -
Virtual 5K: Rucking Division
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Event T-Shirt
$55.50
Ruck where you want and when you want and we will send your swag to you! Ruck for fun or follow the rucking requirements: Participants weighing 149lbs or less, a 10-pound weight is required Participants weighing 150lbs or more, a 20 pound weight is required. Note: Weighted vests and plate carriers are allowed and do qualify. -
Pace Team - by Invitation Only
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
Free
This event is for pacers by invitation only.
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313 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, 48104, MI, United States
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Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck
