Santa Cruz | 41st “Firecracker 1K, 5K, 10K” Race on 4th of July | 2026
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Harvey West Park | 326 Evergreen Street Santa Cruz, CA
Free / Learn More
Submitted by the Event Organizer
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
Sat July 4, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 US
41 Years of Firecracker · 250 Years Running!
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)
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
