Medlar Field at Lubrano Park - Penn State Main Campus, University Park PA
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
2026 FIRECRACKER 4K
Our 22nd annual Firecracker 4K run/walk kicks off the Central Pa 4thFest's
July 4th celebration. Last year 870 runners/walkers kicked off our annual
celebration of America's birthday. Thanks for making it such a big success!
*This year is extra special as we all celebrate America's 250th!*
This year's race will once again be run on the beautiful Penn State main
campus starting near Beaver Stadium located on the east side of campus.
Don your most patriotic apparel and join in the fun. Following the race return
later in the day with your friends and family to enjoy another amazing Central
Pa 4thFest fireworks show!!
Where/When: Saturday, July 4th @ 9 a.m.
NOTE: Day of race registration is available from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on the mezzanine inside the PSU Medlar Field Baseball Stadium located on the east side of the PSU main campus.
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY! - use your smartphone, tablet or computer to register.
T-shirt: 2026 Firecracker 4K race T-shirts are guaranteed to all race registrants registered during
the early signup periods (ends June 25th).
(Tech style shirt available in both Youth (Y) and Adult (A) sizes: Y-S, Y-M, Y-L, A-S, A-M, A-L, A-XL,
A-XXL, A-XXXL)
AWARDS:
* Overall: Top male (1) and Female (1)
Top 3 (M&F) each age category: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
* Post race refreshments will be provided. Race route will have a water station mid-route.
* All proceeds from the race go to supporting all 4thFest activities
* Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.
Race-day essentials
Light, simple picks for a fast effort.
Top pick
SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Running Workout Bundle with Waterproof Carrying Case & Sweat Headband, IP67 Sweat Resistant, 8H Playtime, Mic, Black
$129.95
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00
$164.99
goodr A Unicorn's Calamity Polarized Sunglasses, Medium Sized (OG), Black Solid Frames with Black Non-Reflective Glare Reducing Lenses, UV400 Protection, No Slip, No Bounce
$30.00
Nathan Peak Running Hydration Waist Pack Belt w/Speed Draw Flask Water Bottle, 18oz/535 ml Push/Pull Race Cap, Expandable Zippered Stretch Pocket
$44.00
GADIEMKENSD Quick Drying Running Hat Summer Cooling Baseball Cap UPF50+ Sports Sun Caps Breathable Mesh Lightweigh Dad Hats Unstructured for Golf Workout Hiking Gym Travel Camp Pink S/M 6 7/8-7 1/4
$13.99
Course Map
Train for this race
Find a local run club
Run clubs in University Park, PA host weekly group runs — a great way to prep for race day.
