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FIRECRACKER 4 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT

FIRECRACKER 4 ROAD RACE INVITES RUNNERS AND WALKERS TO KICK OFF JULY 4 CELEBRATION IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

Expanded, Free Training Program Offers Twice-Weekly Running Workouts Beginning June 5th

(May 22, 2025; Saratoga Springs, NY) – The July 4 Firecracker 4 road race in Saratoga Springs, New York, popular with both runners and walkers, is open for registration at firecracker4.com. This year, organizers of the four-mile race are offering a free nine-session running program leading up to race day.

Event Co-Directors Peter Goutos and Bob Vanderminden, Jr. have championed the race since its 2007 inception, when just 142 runners competed. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 2,500 people. The race participants range in ability from elite athletes, who complete the four miles in under 20 minutes, to everyday families and individuals who are trying to become healthier through running or walking. Proceeds from the Firecracker 4 benefit trail development, recreation programs, and other healthy lifestyle programs.

Free Pre-Race Training Program
To help prepare adult and teen runners for the race, this year the Fleet Feet stores in Albany and Malta and the sports brand ASICS are offering a free, twice-weekly training program in Saratoga Springs beginning June 5. Combining runs through local neighborhoods on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. with outdoor track workouts at Saratoga Springs High School on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., the program will offer a combination of speed work, hill training, and course previews. Fleet Feet, ASICS, and several local restaurants—including 9 Miles East, Thirsty Owl, Thorn & Roots, and Wheatfields—are providing participants with post-workout hospitality. Exact details for all dates of the program are at firecracker4.com.

“We’re thrilled to have the ongoing support of Fleet Feet and ASICS as our Firecracker 4 Presenting Sponsors, because they share our passion for physical activity and community spirit. Numerous other local sponsors also make this race possible through their generous donations,” said Peter Goutos.

2025 Race Prizes & Features
The 2025 Firecracker 4 includes these additional highlights:

$2500 awarded to the three largest teams in the Run Your Colors and High School Alumni programs, for donation to their charities of choice
$7500 in cash prizes to the top finishers overall and in age group categories
All registered participants will receive a commemorative ASICS performance shirt

“The Firecracker 4 is not just a race, but has grown over the years into a Saratoga summertime tradition, attracting locals and visitors from all over the country,” said Bob Vanderminden, Jr. “The strength of this event is evidence of the Saratoga region’s commitment to active, healthy living.”

Race Day Events Kick Off Saratoga’s July 4^th Celebration
On race day, preceding the Firecracker 4 race, the Sparkler Run for young children begins at 8:15 on Maple Avenue behind the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The Firecracker 4 starts at 9 a.m. on Broadway in front of the City Center, proceeds through the downtown shopping district, and then winds through the historic streets of Saratoga’s East Side neighborhood, where numerous bands play on street corners and residents cheer and set up garden-hose misting stations to benefit the runners.

Through the generosity of the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety, participants finish this Independence Day race under a giant American flag hoisted by the Saratoga Springs and Maple Avenue Fire Departments

Continuing for 2025 is a Team Village in the Ellsworth Jones lot behind the City Center where teams may set up canopies prior to the race where their athletes may gather.

Additional local sponsors include 93.3 Lake FM, Adirondack Sports, Allerdice ACE Hardware, Building on Love, Death Wish Coffee, Dizzy Chicken, Greenwich Ford, and Interactive Media Consulting as well as Discover Saratoga, Saratoga County Chamber, Saratoga Springs City Center, and Raven Events. Race timing is provided by AREEP.

The Firecracker 4 provides an impressive start to a full day of July 4^th festivities in Saratoga Springs, which this year includes the new July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

Race Registration and Packet Pick-up
Registration is open at firecracker4.com for both the Firecracker 4 ($43.33, including the processing fee) and the Sparkler Run ($6.30, inclusive of fee). Packet pick-up will be July 2 and 3 at Fleet Feet in Malta from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and at the Saratoga Springs City Center on July 4 beginning at 7 a.m.

Background
The Firecracker 4 race is managed by FC4, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which is committed to improving the health and wellness of local communities and supporting recreational pursuits through the development of trails for runners, walkers, cyclists, and recreationalists. FC4, Inc. currently manages four annual events: the First Day 5K on January 1; the Firecracker 4 on July 4; the Silks & Satins 5K, held this year on July 12; and the Revolutionary Run 5K, held this year on November 1. Further information on all events is at fc4events.com.