IMDC Freedom Firecracker 5K and Sparkler 1-Mile

Race Date

July 4, 2026

Race Times

• 5k Start: 8:30 AM
• 1 Mile Start: 9:30 AM

Location

Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 9100 Freedom Center Blvd, Manassas, VA

Spots are limited! We recommend registering soon as possible to reserve your spot on the starting line.

Thank You

Special thanks to our friends at Iron Mountain Data Centers for their support of this special community event. The IMDC Freedom Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile walk/run is a family-friendly event that is a fun and festive celebration of Independence Day!

Beneficiary

A portion of the race proceeds benefit Hero’s Bridge. This amazing charitable organization serves elderly veterans of World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars: bridging veterans to a better quality of life through age-specific and innovative programs. For more information go to Hero's Bridge.

Registration Fees

• 1 Mile Run/Walk: NOT timed
• Through 4/30: 5k $42.50, 1 Mile Run/Walk $22.50
• 5/1-5/31: 5k $45, 1 Mile Run/Walk $25
• 6/1-7/2: 5k $47.50, 1 Mile Run/Walk $27.50

Packet Pickup

This race will feature race day packet pickup only. Race day packet pickup will open at 7:00 AM. Please arrive at least 45-60 minutes prior to your race.

Event Highlights

The Freedom Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile walk/run is a family-friendly event that is a fun and festive celebration of Independence Day! All 5k runners and 1-mile runners will receive a custom race shirt, medal, custom bib, and a digital finisher’s certificate.

Swag

All 5k and 1 Mile runners will receive a custom race shirt, medal, custom bib, and a digital finisher’s certificate.

Awards

There is no formal awards ceremony – just pick your results and award up at the pavilion near the start/finish line! The top 3 overall men and women receive The Running Store gift cards as follows: $75, $50, $25. The top 3 male and female 5K finishers in each of the following 5K age groups receive Running Store gift cards ($15/$10/$5): 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.

Photobooth

Baby are you a firework? Then come on let your colors burst in front of our 8 ft X 8 ft “photo booth!” Grab your friends and family and show us your sparkling smile! Complimentary Red, White, and Blue tattoos will be distributed to all participants at packet pickup!

Pacers

The pacers for runners hoping to hit the following times will be at this year’s race: 20:00, 25:00 and 30:00.

Service Members

Courtesy of our friends at Iron Mountain Data Centers, the first 50 service members who use code “ServiceMembers2026” will receive 1 free race entry. Please note this code is applicable only to the service member, not family members.

Course Details

• Strollers: allowed
• Dogs: not allowed due to safety concerns
• 5k Time Limit: 60 minutes (19 min/mile)
• 1 Mile Run/Walk: IS NOT timed

Runner Safety Protocols

• Water Stations: We will offer 1 water station at the 1.5-mile mark of the race. Small unopened water bottles will be available on a table for runners. In addition, small water bottles will be available at the end of the race.
• Health Guidelines: We will adhere to all Virginia Department of Health guidelines for running races and abide by RRCA’s best practices for conducting safe running.
• Race Route Safety: Due to runner safety protocols the race route is closed to spectators. Only authorized race staff, PWC Police, GMU police, and traffic control employees are permitted on the race route.

More Information

For race details and to register, visit the official event page at IMDC Freedom Firecracker 5K and Sparkler 1-Mile.