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FIRECRACKER 4 2025

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

Kids Sparkler Run Precedes the Firecracker, Encouraging the Next Generation of Athletes

(June 30, 2025; Saratoga Springs, NY) – The July 4^th Firecracker 4 road race, a four-mile event in Saratoga Springs, New York, that is popular with both runners and walkers, expects approximately 2500 participants at the race’s 9:00 a.m. start under fair skies on Independence Day.

Event Co-Directors Peter Goutos and Bob Vanderminden, Jr. have championed the race since its 2007 inception, when just 142 runners competed. Current race participants range in ability from elite athletes to families and individuals who are trying to be more active through running or walking. Proceeds from the Firecracker 4 benefit trail development, recreation programs, and other healthy lifestyle programs.

Race Day Events Begin 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 course is 0.2 miles long and children may be accompanied on the course by a parent, older sibling, or caregiver if desired.

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. Participants will finish the race on Maple Avenue behind the City Center, passing under a giant American flag just before the finish line.

Race Registration and Packet Pick-up

Registration is open at firecracker4.com for both the Firecracker 4 and the Sparkler Run. Packet pick-up, including race bibs and a commemorative Firecracker 4 performance running shirt, will take place July 1 at Fleet Feet Albany from 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.; July 2 at Fleet Feet Malta from 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.; July 3 at the Saratoga Springs City Center from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; and at the City Center on July 4 beginning at 7 a.m.

2025 Race Prizes & Features

Prizes and the traditions of the race built over many years attract highly competitive elite athletes and teams competing for prize money, as well as community participants celebrating their personal successes. The current course records over the four-mile course are: Men 18:58 and Women 20:32.

The 2025 Firecracker 4 includes these awards:

Prize money for top finishers:
- Open Division prize money to 1st ($500), 2nd ($350), 3rd ($275) place finishers.
- Masters Division prize money to 1st ($250), 2nd ($200), 3rd ($150) place finishers.
- USATF team prize money to 1st ($125), 2nd ($75), 3rd ($50) place teams.

A combined total of $2500 will be awarded to the three largest teams in the Run Your Colors and High School Alumni programs, for donation to their charities of choice. See details online.

The Firecracker 4 does allow individuals to win in multiple categories. A course record bonus of $250 is awarded if a record is set in the Open Division. Complete details for prize money and other elite athlete perks are at firecracker4.com.

“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 Sponsors, Community Partners, and Volunteers
FC4 Events appreciates greatly the race sponsorships from many community businesses, organizations, and also individuals who volunteer for the event and perform as musicians.

Sponsors for the July 4^th events include:

ASICS, Fleet Feet Albany | Malta, CASmith LLC, Death Wish Coffee, Greenwich Ford

Adirondack Sports, Allerdice ACE Hardware, Building On Love, Continuum Tax Advisors, Dempsey Development, Five Oak Farm, Interactive Media Consulting, Saratoga Springs Dentists, The Lake 93.3 FM, Thorn and Roots

9 Miles East, Dizzy Chicken, Mittler’s Market, The Thirsty Owl, Trotters, Wheatfields

Community partner organizations: Saratoga Springs City Center; Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; Discover Saratoga; The Saratoga Racing Museum; City of Saratoga Springs: Fire Department, Police Department, Dept of Public Works; Ballston Spa Fire Department

The Firecracker 4 is an FC4 Inc. and Raven Events Production. Race timing by AREEP.

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.

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