Events
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 heads to 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, you’ll get an automatic refund. 5 referrals for the 5K and 10K earn a $10 refund; for the 1K it’s a $5 refund. So what are you waiting for — Pay it Forward and claim your refunds!
Bib Pick-up
Bib pick-up is at a tasty location to carbo load!
Where: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
When: Friday, July 3rd — 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 — come early!
Or pick up on Race Day — Come Early!
📍 Harvey West Park Clubhouse
📅 July 4th ⏰ 7:00 — 8:30 AM
🚗 Race Day Parking: Park at Costco by 7:15 AM to beat road closures!
Support Our Youth!
2026 Firecracker Run Beneficiaries
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is proud that 100% of runner proceeds support local youth. Every registration dollar goes right back into helping kids in Santa Cruz County. This year we are proud to support two incredible organizations:
Additional proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation, which supports High School Scholarships and other vital community programs.
Safe Families for Children Monterey Bay mobilizes community volunteers to keep local kids safe and out of foster care while supporting parents through crisis. Serving Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties since 2019, they surround families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other hardships with a circle of trusted relationships — because no family should have to face hard times alone.
Camp Erin Santa Cruz County gives grieving children and teens ages 6–17 a free weekend camp experience in the Santa Cruz Mountains where they can share their loss, build friendships with peers who truly understand, and discover they are not alone. Operated by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, it’s a rare and beautiful gift for kids carrying some of life’s heaviest burdens.
Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation has served the Santa Cruz community for over four decades as a 100% volunteer organization. Additional proceeds from the Firecracker support High School Scholarships and other vital community programs that make a lasting difference for young people 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.
With Gratitude!
★ Sponsor Recognition
We'd like to thank all of our fantastic sponsors for your support.
Your generosity makes the Firecracker possible and keeps every registration dollar working for kids right here in Santa Cruz County.
Description
The 41st Annual Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run is one of Santa Cruz's most beloved Fourth of July traditions — and 2026 is unlike any other. Our nation turns 250, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style at Harvey West Park on July 4th.
Choose your distance — the legendary 10K Thrill of the Hill, the flat and fast 5K, or the Kids 1K Fun Run. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a race for you. Stick around after for burritos, Izzy's Ice, and awards.
As a 100% volunteer organization, every registration dollar goes directly to local youth through our 2026 beneficiaries and Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation. We're going for 1,000+ runners this year — grab your crew and be part of history.
