GENERAL

• When is the VARRA Firecracker 5k?
  • The VARRA Firecracker 5k will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:30 AM at Riverside Stadium.

REGISTRATION

• How do I register? 
  • You can register at this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Victoria/VARRA5k.

• How much is it to register?
  • It is $30 until Monday, June 1, after which prices increase to $35. Race day registration is $40. VARRA members automatically receive a 20% discount at checkout!
• When does registration end?
  • Registration ends at 7:15 AM on Saturday, July 4.
• Are refunds allowed?
  • No, race entries are non-refundable.

PACKET PICKUP

• When and where is packup pickup?
  • Packet pickup is only being offered the morning of race day, Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM at Riverside Stadium.
• Can I pick up someone's bib for them?
  • No, you cannot. Each participant must be physically present at the check-in table to receive their bib. This prevents timing errors that can affect race results and awards. No exceptions!
• What is included in the packet?
  • You will receive 1 bib.
• What is being used as chip timing equipment?
  • The bib has a timing sticker on the back that will be used to time the race. 
• Can I keep my bib?
  • Yes, you can keep your bib.
• What else do I need to know about my bib?
  • All participants must wear their issued bib as directed. Participants must ensure their bib is visible at all times during the race. All participants must wear the bib on the front and outer-most layer of their apparel. Participants must not fold their bibs. Failure to follow all these rules may result in a disqualification from the event.

PARKING & RACE MORNING

• What time should I arrive to the race?
  • You can arrive any time between 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM to pick up your packet, stretch, and get ready for the race.

• Where do I park?
  • There is plenty of free parking available at the Riverside Stadium Parking Lot.
• How do I get to the park?
  • https://goo.gl/maps/5pZv3MkrZrxTg2Ef8
• What is the race day schedule?
  • 6:30 AM - 7:15 AM: Packet pick-up and race day registration at Riverside Stadium
  • 7:30 AM: Race start
  • 8:30 AM: Race finishes
  • 9:00 AM: Awards
• What if there is inclement weather?
  • Every effort will be made to get the run done. If there is light or heavy rain, the run will still go on at 7:30 AM. If there is lightning, the start will be delayed until it is safe to run, so please plan accordingly.

THE COURSE

• What is the course?
  • The course is a loop around the Riverside Stadium and Victoria Zoo that starts and ends at the bathrooms on McCright Drive. All of the surface is paved. Check out https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3516656794/  for the official race course.
• Are there cutoff times?
  • There is a 1 hour time limit, so all finishers must be across the finish line by 8:30 AM. This is a 19:18/mile pace.
• Will there be water stations on the course? 
  • There will be a water station at the turn off point into Fox Bend, and water will be available before and after the race.
• Will the course be marked?
  • Mile markers will be painted on the ground.
• Will there be cars on the course?
  • There is a chance that cars will drive by, but there will be volunteers to watch for cars and direct them away from runners. Orange traffic cones will also be placed on the course to indicate the turns.

FINISH LINE AND POST RACE FESTIVITIES

• Where are the post race festivities being held?
  • The post race festivities are being held at the start/finish line of the race. There will be some snacks and beverages for all to enjoy!
• Is there anything that needs to be returned to the race after crossing the finish line?
  • Yes, the 2 chips that are used for timing purposes must be returned to a race volunteer before you receive your finisher items.
• Where will results be posted?
  • Results will be posted on https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/113054#resultSetId-367802;perpage:100.
• How quickly will results be posted after I finish?
  • Results will be posted on the race website after the event is over.
• What do I do if I notice my results are off while at the race?
  • If you have questions or think your results are off, please go to the timing table to discuss this with the timing personnel. After age group awards begin, no more race result disputes will be entertained.
• Are there age group awards?
  • There will be an Overall Male and Overall Female award, along with awards 3 deep for 10 year age increments.
  • The age groups will be as follows:
  • 0-10
  • 11-19
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60-69
  • 70+
  • Runners may not win both overall awards and age group awards, meaning that the overall male and female winners will not be able to win 1st place in his or her respective age groups.
• When is the award ceremony?
  • The award ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM. All race result disputes and questions must be addressed before 9:00 AM.