2027 Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket
Ridge Runners Racing INC is excited to work with Big Rex's Fireworks and the City of Dry Ridge to bring you the 2nd Annual Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K and Little Rex's Kids Fun Run on Saturday, July 3, 2027!
You spoke up and we listened! We have decided to move the race schedule up 1/2 hour to help runners avoid potential rising summer temperatures in July.
We hope that past runners will return and bring others with them in 2027. Our goal is to fill the streets of Dry Ridge with 300+ runners to celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy.
"Come Blast Off With Us" at the 2027 Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K and Little Rex's Kids Fun Run.
The City of Dry Ridge works together with us to plan all that it entails to make an event like this safe and successful.
A special thanks to Mayor Greg Brockman, City Manager Ken Little, all the city personnel, the Dry Ridge Police Department, and the Dry Ridge Fire Department for their efforts to keep all our participants in Big Rex's Bottle Rocket safe. Please be sure to thank these amazing individuals for their efforts!
There is no way Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket could happen without the amazing people who generously give their time, talents, and energy to serve others. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to every volunteer who helped make the 2026 event such a tremendous success!
We are recruiting volunteers now for 2027!! Please signup early so we can make the 2nd Annual Big Rex's Bottle Rocket events bigger and better!
If interested, please sign up by clicking on the Volunteer tab or contact us at ridgerunracing@gmail or 859-445-5286.
Vendors Wanted
Ridge Runners Racing INC is seeking vendors for the 2027 Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K! Feel free to contact us at ridgerunracing@gmail.com or at 859-445-5286.
Proud to Partner With…
Ridge Runners Racing INC is proud to partner with several local businesses. Our events would NOT be possible without their support! Please support our Partners who support our mission to provide great running events right here in our community.
Our 2026 partners included our Title Sponsor Big Rex's Fireworks, the City of Dry Ridge, El Jalisco, La Morenita, State Farm, Domino's, Dunkin, Grant County Oil, Restlands Angus Farm, Tri-State Running Company, Four Seasons Auto Wash, Tropical Tan, and Ivy Leaf Florist.
We would love for you to partner with us as well. If you are interested please contact us at ridgerunracing@gmail.com or 859-445-5286.
Taylor Henry Concert
Ridge Runners Racing INC would like to thank Nashville recording artist and Grant County's own Taylor Henry for performing our National Anthem and providing post-race entertainment for our 250 year celebration of our nation at Big Rex's Bottle Rocket. Taylor was phenomenal and extremely accommodating to whatever was asked of him. Thanks Taylor....we hope you will join us again in 2027!
We would love for you to send us your photos from the 2026 Big Rex's Bottle Rocket events. You can send those to us at ridgerunracing@gmail.com.
Help us celebrate in 2027!! We fell slightly short of our goal of 250 last year, but had an amazing day! This year we are hoping for 300+ registrants in the Big Rex's Bottle Rocket events.
With your support, let's make the 2027 Big Rex's Bottle Rocket and Little Rex's Kids Fun Run a great day of celebration in Dry Ridge.
2027 Big Rex’s Events Now Open
Packet Pick-Up
● Location: Dry Ridge Fire Department – Front Bay Doors
● Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Please arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, packet pickup, and getting to the start line. Registration and packet pickup will close promptly at 8:30 AM.
Parking
Parking will be available at the following designated event locations:
● Dry Ridge City Building
● Dry Ridge Fire Department
● Tim Simpson Insurance
● Dry Ridge Auto Sales
● Fastpace Health
● Dry Ridge Baptist Church
● Piddle Park
Please watch for Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket Parking signs and Ridge Runners Racing Parking signs as you arrive.
Please do not park in areas that are not designated as event parking. This will help keep roadways clear, ensure the safety of participants and spectators, and allow emergency vehicles access if needed.
Before You Arrive at the Starting Line
● Wear your race bib on the front of your shirt.
● Stay hydrated and be ready for warm July weather.
● Be respectful of volunteers, law enforcement, and fellow participants.
● Most importantly, have fun and enjoy celebrating 250 years of American freedom with us!
Weather Emergency Protocol
For the safety of all participants, volunteers, and spectators attending Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket, Ridge Runners Racing Inc will follow the standardized American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Event Alert System (EAS) should we experience a threatening weather event. This color-coded system—displayed on course signage, water stations, and at the start/finish lines—communicates the severity of weather conditions and their impact on participant safety:
🟢 Green: Low Risk — Good conditions with no major weather concerns.
🟡 Yellow: Moderate Risk — Less-than-ideal conditions; weather might impact the race. Runners should stay alert, be prepared for worsening weather, and consider slowing their pace.
🔴 Red: High Risk — Dangerous weather (such as severe heat, humidity, or high winds) is actively impacting the event. Runners should slow down, increase hydration, and prepare for potential delays or course modifications.
⚫ Black: Extreme Risk — Conditions are dangerously severe (e.g., lightning, severe storms, or temperatures over 100° F). The course is closed, events are paused, and participants must seek shelter or follow the instructions of race officials immediately.
Should weather become so severe that cancellation of Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket events should become necessary, any runner who is unable to finish as a direct result of the cancellation shall have the right to defer their entry to the 2027 Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket. Unfortunately, we are unable to process refunds for this event.
Thank you for being part of this year’s Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket events. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on race morning!
Happy Independence Day!
Ridge Runners Racing
2026 BIG REX SHIRTS
2027 Big Rex Shirts are under design! Please check back later!
3-D Printed Age Group Awards
Thanks to Mark Messmore for creating our unique 3-D printed Age Group and Overall Winners Awards in 2026!
We can't wait to see what he creates for 2027!!
Check back later to see the 2027 Big Rex's Bottle Rocket awards.
"Come Blast Off With Us"! Sign up today!
Godfather Giveaway
Everyone who registers for Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K will have their name included in a drawing for the massive "Godfather Giveaway" fireworks package pictured above!! The drawing will take place shortly after the conclusion of the 5K Awards Presentation at the concert stage adjacent to the basketball court at approximately 11:15 AM. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!*
*Members of Ridge Runners Racing Board of Directors and their immediate family are NOT eligible for the "Godfather Giveaway".
We are excited to announce that Tri-State Running Company is partnering with Ridge Runners Racing Inc at Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K.
The following will be awarded at the conclusion of Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K....
Overall 1st/2nd/3rd place finishers in the 5K in both the male and female categories will receive respectively a $50/$30/$25 gift card to Tri-State Running Company.
Tri-State Running Company has also offered one $100 shoe certificate* that will be drawn from Big Rex's 5K registrations received prior to Midnight on May 31, 2027 (must be present at 5K awards ceremony on July 3, 2027 to win!). *Members of Ridge Runners Racing Inc Board of Directors and their immediate families are NOT eligible for this prize.
Ridge Runners Racing Presents…
Ridge Runners Racing, in partnership with Big Rex Fireworks, proudly presents the 2nd Annual Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K and Little Rex’s Kids Fun Run (.76 mile). This event will take place on Saturday July 3, 2027 in cooperation with the city of Dry Ridge, Kentucky.
Little Rex’s Kids Fun Run (.76 mile) will start at 8:00 AM followed by Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket 5K at 8:30 AM. Both races will start at the City Building and finish inside Piddle Park (check out the Course Maps section for more details).
Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair and/or blanket so you can hang out afterward at the Post-Race Party at Piddle Park and enjoy food and drink from a variety of vendors while listening to live music by Nashville recording artist Taylor Henry (9:30 AM-12:00 PM) as we celebrate 251 years of independence in our beloved nation. The live concert will take place immediately following our awards presentation at the stage adjacent to the basketball courts. You can learn more about Grant County native Taylor Henry by checking out his website. https://www.itsmetaylorhenry.com/
“Come Blast Off With Us” on Saturday, July 3rd!
Get Ready to Blast Off
Pick Your Race
Little Rex's Kids Fun Run
Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K
Little Rex’s Kids Fun Run (No Giveaway)
Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket 5K (No Giveaway)
Virtual Little Rex’s Kids Fun Run
Virtual Big Rex’s Bottle Rocket 5K
GODFATHER GIVEAWAY
11:15 AM at concert stage by basketball court. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
Age Groups
LITTLE REX'S KIDS FUN RUN:
10 and Under (Each registered runner may be accompanied by one adult chaperone at no additional cost). Only registered runners are eligible for race swag.
BIG REX'S BOTTLE ROCKET 5K:
9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80 & over.
AWARDS
LITTLE REX'S KIDS FUN RUN:
Overall winners (male and female) will receive a special race themed award at approximately 9:45 AM at the concert stage by the basketball court. All finishers will receive a special race themed memento at the finish line.
BIG REX'S BOTTLE ROCKET 5K:
Overall and Age Group winners in male and female divisions will receive a special race themed award at approximately 10:15-10:30 AM at the concert stage by the basketball court. All finishers will receive a special finishers medal with race logo at the finish line.
Also, Tri-State Running Company has graciously agreed to supply a $50/$30/$25 gift card to their store for the 1st/2nd/3rd place male and female finishers of Big Rex's Bottle Rocket 5K.
In addition, a drawing for a $100 gift certificate good toward the purchase of a pair of shoes at Tri-State Running Company will be given to one lucky person in the 5K registered by 5/31/26.
Contact Form
City of Dry Ridge
Dry Ridge City Building
31 Broadway St
Dry Ridge, KY 41035 US
View Location on Map
Pet Policy
About Our Partners
Our Mission... BE A LIGHT
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14–16
ABOUT US
Big Rex Fireworks is a faith-driven, family-owned seasonal fireworks business with a mission to be a light in the community. For nearly 30 years, we’ve proudly served the Northern Kentucky area, building lasting relationships through genuine care for our neighbors and a strong desire to serve. We are passionate about helping families experience the joy of every celebration while creating lasting memories. We offer top-quality fireworks at the best prices. As an owner-operated business, we keep our prices low, consistently beating competitor coupons, and provide outstanding value to every customer. We’re also deeply committed to giving back—supporting local schools, churches, and organizations that help keep the light of our community shining bright.
Big Rex launched his first fireworks stand in Davie, Florida, in 1982 at just 16 years old. He spent the next 13 years selling fireworks across South Florida before relocating his family to Dry Ridge, Kentucky in 1996. That same year, he opened Kentucky’s first seasonal fireworks tent. At the time, state laws required customers to sign a waiver promising to use the fireworks outside of Kentucky. Undeterred, Big Rex spent years advocating for change—playing a key role in the effort that ultimately led to the legalization of fireworks in Kentucky in 2011.
Big Rex passed away in December 2020, but his legacy lives on. He is fondly remembered by his family, friends, and community for his warm smile, generous spirit, and larger-than-life personality. His memory continues to inspire all who knew him and the many lives he touched.
Big Rex Fireworks is now proudly owned and operated by Big Rex’s son, Rex, and his wife, Kate. Both Rex and Kate are dedicated educators with the Grant County School System and active members of 7 Hills Church in Dry Ridge. At the heart of their business is a genuine desire to serve the community while carrying on the values and spirit of Rex's father. They are deeply grateful for the support they’ve received and remain committed to giving back to the people who make it all possible.
CITY OF DRY RIDGE
Our event wouldn't be possible without the support of the City of Dry Ridge. https://cdrky.org/
Four Seasons Auto Wash
Tropical Tan
Tropical Tanhttps://www.tropical-tan.comTROPICAL TAN Luxurious Tanning Salon & Spa Services
El Jalisco
La Morenita
Facebook · La Morenita Meat Market1.5K+ followersLa Morenita Meat Market | Williamstown KY
Dunkin
Grant County Drugs
http://grantcountydrugs.com/
Domino’s
Dry Ridge Detailing
Facebook · Dry Ridge Detailing4.2K+ followersDry Ridge Detailing
State Farm Insurance (Carolyn Thomas-Thompson)
Tri-State Running Company
Ivy Leaf Florist
Grant County Oil
Restlands Angus Farm
Stanley and Jacqueline Riley
Browning's Country Ham
www.browningscountryham.com
About Ridge Runners
Ridge Runners Racing Inc. is a non-profit organization created by core members of the Ridge Runners, a Christian men’s running group based in Dry Ridge, KY.
The Ridge Runners meet regularly on Saturday mornings for group runs. Members also communicate and often schedule additional runs throughout the week as schedules allow. Most often, members of our group utilize these group runs to train together in preparation of participation in goal races. Often, members of our group travel together to participate in both road and trail races throughout the year. Men 18 years old and up regardless of where they are in their running journey are cordially invited to join us each week. All paces and distances are always welcome. Whether you are just wanting to use running as part of your fitness routine or are looking for training partners for your next race, Ridge Runners would love to offer their support.
Our non-profit was created out of the desire to share our love of Christ with others through our shared interest in running. We have elected to host running and ultra running events as a way to assist members of the running community pursue their goals. Our charitable branch we call Soul Purpose is our way of supporting those in our community who otherwise may not have the means or know-how to begin this journey. Ridge Runners Racing LLC meets on the last Saturday of each month immediately following our morning group run.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Ridge Runners or have questions please feel free to contact us at ridgerunracing@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook using the link below. http://www.facebook.com/61569167672009
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Course Maps
