Events
250 Years of America. 41 years of Firecracker!
Celebrate the 41st Annual Firecracker & America's 250th Birthday
This is one you don't want to miss!
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is fired up to bring you the 2026 Firecracker — and this year is unlike any other. Our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style: lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and kick off Independence Day the way this community has for over four decades at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz, CA.
We're calling all runners, walkers, families, and friends — our goal is
1,000+ runners this year!
That's right. We want to make the 2026 Firecracker the biggest in our history. So grab your crew, sign up your neighbors, rope in your coworkers, and let's pack Harvey West Park on the Fourth of July. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a run for you.
The Run
Three courses. One incredible morning.
10K — Take on the legendary "Thrill of the Hill" through Pogonip Park, top out on the Spring Trail winding through the stunning UCSC meadow, then drop back down through the westside neighborhoods and finish strong at Harvey West Park. This one earns its reputation.
5K — Flat, fast, and contained entirely in the Harvey West Business Park area. The 5K course is stroller, ADA, and wheelchair accessible — everyone is welcome.
Kid's 1K Fun Run — Get the littles in on the action! A fun, kid-friendly course to kick off race morning.
(Click on the Course Map tab above to see maps for all three courses.)
⏱️ Race Start Times
8:00 AM – Kid’s 1K
8:30 AM – 10K
8:40 AM – 5K
After the run everyone ends up Harvey West Park to celebrate.
🌯 Burrito + Izzy's Ice 🏅 Awards at Harvey West Park (approx. 10:00 AM)
Refer a Runner! When you register, you'll have the option to refer 5 people — friends or family.If all five register for the race, you'll get an automatic refund on your registration. Total 5 referrals for the 5K and 10K earn a $10 refund, and for the 1K it's a $5 refund. So what are you waiting for — Pay it Forward and claim your refunds!
Grap Your Bib Early!
Bib pick-up is at a new convenient and tasty location this year...
Where: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
When: Friday, July 3rd, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Address: 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz, CA
Enjoy a brew and great food
🍺 First 200 runners to pick up their bib get a FREE beer so come early!
or Race Day- Come Early!
📍 Harvey West Park Clubhouse
🗓️ July 4th | ⏰ 7–8:30 AM (Race Day!)
🚗 Race Day Parking
Park at Costco by 7:15 AM to beat road closures! 🅿️
All proceeds from the runners go to youth in our community!
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is proud that 100% of runner proceeds support local youth. Our 2026 beneficiary will be announced soon — stay tuned! What won't change is our commitment: every registration dollar goes right back into helping kids in Santa Cruz County.
Place
326 Evergreen Street
Santa Cruz, CA US 95060
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Sponsors
We'd like to thank all of our fantastic sponsors for your support.
Description
Year 41 — and America's 250th Birthday!
This is the one you don't want to miss.
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is fired up to bring you the 2026 Firecracker — and this year is unlike any other. Our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style: lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and kick off Independence Day the way this community has for over four decades at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz CA.
We're calling all runners, walkers, families, and friends — our goal is 1,000+ runners this year!
That's right. We want to make the 2026 Firecracker the biggest in our history. So grab your crew, sign up your neighbors, rope in your coworkers, and let's pack Harvey West Park on the Fourth of July. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a course for you.
