Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck

Event Overview

Kick off your Fourth of July the Epic Races way: join us in downtown Ann Arbor on the 4th of July for our classic Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck! Our 3.1-mile course gets underway at a truly red, white, and blue locale: the intersection of Liberty and 4th... where else would you start a race on the 4th of July? Racers then loop around downtown and come in for a spectacular star-spangled finish in front of thousands of spectators.

Schedule of Events

• 6:30 AM: Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration open
• 7:45 AM: Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration close
• 7:47 AM: Hot dog eaters to the stage
• 7:50 AM: Pacers to line up

• 7:52 AM: Remarks
• 7:55 AM: National Anthem
• 8:00 AM: 200-meter Kids’ Dash
• 8:05 AM: Ruckers Start

• 8:08 AM: Hot Dog Eating
• 8:10 AM: 5K Start
• 8:20 AM: 1 Mile Fun Run Start

Special Holiday Divisions

• Rucking Division: Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a staple of military training, as soldiers must be able to carry weapons, food and other supplies for long distances. Embrace an even HEAVIER challenge when you sign up for the Ruck Division.
• The Flag Carrying Division: Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.
• Hot Dog Eating Division: It’s simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge — up to 20 competitors — will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway.
• Timed 1-Mile Fun Run: Don't have the time for 5K? A fun, friendly course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage.

Kids' Activities

Our littlest firecrackers are invited to make a bang all their own in our Kids’ 200-Meter Dash. Open to competitors ages 8 and under, our Kids’ Dash offers children the opportunity to soar like eagles down Liberty Street, completing their race at the same finish line as Mom or Dad!

Kids can continue celebrating Independence Day at the corner of State and William, where they can take part in the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade (accompanied by a parent or guardian)!

Race Features

• Walker Friendly: The Firecracker 5K is walker friendly!
• Medals: Medals for all participants in all divisions!

Zero Waste

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running!

Event Details

Date: 2027-07-04

Location: TBD, Ann Arbor, MI

For more details, visit the official race page.