FIRECRACKER4 ROAD RACE
WHEN & WHERE
July 4, 2025
Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866
Kids Sparkler Run (0.2 miles)
8:15 a.m. start
On Maple Avenue, behind the City Center
Firecracker 4 (four miles)
9:00 a.m. start
Start on Broadway, in front of the City Center
Finish on Maple Avenue, behind the City Center
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RUNNERS & WALKERS WELCOME
The Firecracker 4 road race is held each Independence Day in downtown Saratoga Springs. Now in its 19th year and supporting more than 2,500 runners and walkers, this event is the largest Fourth of July race in New York.
A Sparkler Run for younger kids, a short race of two-tenths of a mile, starts at 8:15 a.m. on Maple Avenue, behind the Saratoga Springs City Center.
The Firecracker 4 begins at 9:00 a.m. on Broadway in front of the Saratoga Springs City Center. Runners proceed south several blocks, passing many of the city’s historic buildings and Congress Park, and then turn into the city’s East Side neighborhood on this fast and challenging course.
This community event draws people from all over the country (and world!), so be sure to make this festive race and Saratoga Springs part of your July 4th plans!
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RACE DETAILS & MORE
Free Lead-Up Training in June with Fleet Feet & ASICS
June 5-28 in Saratoga Springs
Athletes of all abilities are welcome to join a free lead-up training series held in Saratoga Springs during June. From June 5 through 28, on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., we invite you to participate in these friendly, coach-led workouts.
Take advantage of fun activities, including ASICS shoe demos, weekly raffles, complimentary race entries, and more! After training, you’re invited to gather with other participants at local establishments for refreshments.
Additional details on training locations and refreshment sites will be shared in early May.
Alumni Competition for NY Section II Schools
We will offer awards of $350/$250/$150 to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd largest alumni teams (male/female combined) from Section 2 schools. (One team allowed from each school, to be open to both male and female alumni of any age.) These are not speed-based awards; they are based on the total number of athletes participating.
Run Your Colors Competition
We encourage runners and walkers from local businesses, civic organizations, faith groups, neighborhoods, etc. to register as part of a team for the event. You will see this option in the registration form. The team with the most registrants wins bragging rights and $1000 to be donated to a charity of the team’s choice. Second place will direct a $500 donation to a charity, and third place a $250 donation to a charity. There is no timing component to this competition, just the number of team members.
Volunteers Needed
Course Marshals, Packet Pick-Up Staff, Water Stop Teams
Our volunteer course marshals play a vital role in keeping race participants moving in the right direction at various intersections. In addition, there are two water stops on the course staffed by volunteers. We also seek helpers for packet pick-up leading up to the race. Thank you to all these volunteers for helping the race to run smoothly!
Email our Volunteer Coordinator, Charlie Usas, if you have questions that are not addressed in the application or need a contact after you have applied.
Bands & Sprinklers on the Course
Highlights on the course include lots of cheering spectators, numerous local bands, as well as friendly neighbors providing sprinkers to run through as you pass by.
Interested musicians should email musicians@fc4events.com. Please provide a brief description of your group, your music, and the number of performers anticipated.
Finish Line Celebration
We strive to make the finish line area a celebration for all participants and spectators. Grab a post-race snack, listen to good music, and enjoy the community spirit.
Packet Pick-Up
You can pick up your bib, shirt, and other event materials at these locations:
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- July 2 at Fleet Feet Albany, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- July 3 at Fleet Feet Malta, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- July 4 at Saratoga Springs City Center, beginning at 7 a.m.
Parking Information
Here is detailed Parking Information for Downtown Saratoga Springs.
Note: If you plan to park in the City Center parking garage on the morning of the race, please enter and exit the garage from High Rock Avenue, to avoid the finish line area near the garage’s Maple Avenue entrance.
Travel Planning for Saratoga Springs
These local resources can help you plan your trip to the Saratoga Springs region.
Discover Saratoga tourism bureau
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Saratoga.com directory of hotels, dining, attractions, events
Race Proceeds Benefit Community Programs
Proceeds from the Firecracker 4 benefit trail development, recreation programs, and other healthy lifestyle programs selected by FC4, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Sponsors
In addition to the sponsors whose logos are displayed below, we also thank Building on Love for sponsoring the Sparkler Run for kids. Building on Love supports families caring for a child facing a recent life-threatening medical diagnosis.
We also extend our appreciation to these local restaurants providing race day support and hospitality for our lead-up training series. We encourage you to pay them a visit and enjoy their delicious food and beverage offerings.
