FIRECRACKER 4 ROAD RACE
WHEN & WHERE
July 4, 2026
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 Road Race (4 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 20th 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. This event is sponsored by Building on Love and fun run swag will delight the kids!
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
Race Information & Registration
To make the Firecracker 4 an event that all ages can enjoy, there are two events on the morning of July 4th:
- A Sparkler Run for younger kids, a short, flat 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 four-mile race 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.
Elite Runner Information Center
Thank you for considering the Firecracker 4. We commit to you a competitive race and a great experience!
Elite Runner Benefits
- Complimentary entry to The Firecracker 4 for Elite-qualified individuals (see below).
- Use of designated Elite gear storage in the Saratoga City Center.
For all inquiries and registration for Elite racing at the Firecracker 4 please contact Charles Woodruff at info@fc4events.com.
Elite Runner Qualifying Standards (4 miles)
- Open Men 20:00
- Masters Men 21:15
- Open Women 23:00
- Masters Women 24:15
Athletes who have 5K or 10K times in the past year that clearly show the ability to meet the above standards will be considered.
Additionally, the top 5 male and top 5 female finishers from the 2025 Firecracker 4 race automatically qualify for Elite status in 2026.
For all inquiries and registration for Elite racing at the Firecracker 4 please contact Charles Woodruff at info@fc4events.com.
Prize Money
For the fastest competitors, we provide the following awards:
- Open Division: M/F $500, $350, $275.
- A course record special bonus of $500 will be awarded if a record is set in the Open Division. Current course records: Men 18:55 and Women 20:32. View our complete All-Time Course Records listing.
- Masters Division prize money, M/F $250, $200, $150.
- USATF team prize money has been increased in 2026: M/F $500, $300, $200 for registered teams with current USATF membership certification, subject to verification. Must be 21 years or older, 5 members per team.
NOTE: The Firecracker 4 does allow an individual to win in multiple categories.
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.
New for 2026: Each volunteer will receive a free wine tasting certificate courtesy of our sponsor, The Thirsty Owl. Additionally, The Thirsty Owl will host a volunteer wrap-up party on Wednesday, July 8, at 6 p.m.
We thank all of our volunteers for helping the race to run smoothly!
Free Training Series in June for Runners of All Abilities
June 11 to July 2 in Saratoga Springs
Helping You Move with Purpose…for a lifetime!
Athletes of all abilities are invited to join our free lead-up training series held in Saratoga Springs. From June 11 to July 2, come participate in these friendly, coach-led workouts and fun activities, including ASICS shoe demos; raffles; and more! Our Saturday sessions will be held on the track at Saratoga Springs High School, while Thursday workouts will depart from various restaurant locations in Saratoga Springs.
Longtime Fleet Feet distance coach Mark Mindel and No Boundaries coach Jeff Casale will lead each workout and keep it fun and productive for all. While these workouts are pointed at preparing for the 2026 Firecracker 4 road race, they are open to runners at all levels. After each training session, you’re invited to gather with the group for refreshments: either complimentary track-side refreshments or self-paid fabulous fare from our local restaurant sponsors.
We thank Fleet Feet and ASICS for their ongoing support of the Firecracker 4 and this training series. And, we extend our appreciation to these community-minded hospitality sponsors: 9 Miles East, Thirsty Owl Saratoga, Thorn & Roots, and Wheatfields.
Note: The times listed below are when each workout will START. Please arrive in the area 15 minutes earlier to allow adequate time to park and for other pre-workout activities.
SARATOGA SPRINGS LEAD-UP SERIES SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 11, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thirsty Owl (website)
184 S. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Enjoy fare from the Thirsty Owl afterward.
Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Complimentary coffee & bagels afterward.
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thorn & Roots (website)
46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Sample Thorn & Roots specialties afterward.
Saturday, June 20, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Complimentary coffee & bagels afterward.
Thursday, June 25, 6:00 p.m.
Location: 9 Miles East (website)
64 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Complimentary 9 Miles East pizza afterward.
Saturday, June 27, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Relay races on the track
Adjourn to the patio at Wheatfields (website) at 440 Broadway (directions) for continental breakfast afterward.
Thursday, July 2, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thirsty Owl (website)
184 S. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Enjoy fare from the Thirsty Owl menu afterward.
"Run Your Colors" Team Competition for Schools, Businesses & Organizations
We encourage runners and walkers from local businesses, schools, 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. There is no timing component to this competition, just the number of team members.
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. Any team exceeding 100 registrants will receive an additional $500 reward.
Packet Pick-Up (race bib, shirt, etc.)
You can pick up your race bib, shirt, and other event materials at these locations:
- Thursday, July 2 at Fleet Feet Albany, 12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, July 3 at Fleet Feet Malta, 12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4 at Saratoga Springs City Center, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Finish Line Celebration
Commemorative Medals: In celebration of the 20th year of the Firecracker 4 road race, a special participation medal is guaranteed to the first 2800 finishers. If we run short of medals at the race, a second printing will be done so all participants receive a commemorative medal.
Food, Music, Community: 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.
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.
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.
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.
July 4th Restaurant Specials for Firecracker 4 Participants
We greatly appreciate these local restaurants that are providing race day specials for our participants! Remember to show your race bib.
9 Miles East
Dizzy Chicken
Mittler’s
Thirsty Owl
Thorn and Roots
Trotters
Enjoy a 50% Discount on General Admission at Saratoga Race Course This Week
This generous offer for registered Firecracker 4 participants is courtesy of the New York Racing Association. The offer is valid each day of the 4-day July 4 Festival for 50% off general admission (fees have been waived). Details on how to purchase tickets will be provided to you in your race packet.
Sponsor Information
Sponsorship of the iconic Firecracker 4 can help you grow your business! Learn how you can join our team by contacting Peter Goutos at sponsors@FC4events.com.
The support we receive from local businesses and organizations is vital to the success of the Firecracker 4. We are so grateful to the following sponsors for their dedication to our event!
FIRECRACKER 4 RACE SPONSORS
9 Miles East, Building On Love, CASmith, LLC, Dizzy Chicken, Greenwich Ford, Interactive Media Consulting, Thirsty Owl, Thorn and Roots, Upstate Sports, Wheatfields
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Saratoga Springs City Center; Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; Discover Saratoga; City of Saratoga Springs: Fire Department, Police Department, Dept of Public Works; Ballston Spa Fire Department
The Firecracker 4 is produced by FC4 Inc. and Raven Events. Timing by AREEP.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
An FC4, Inc. and Raven Events production | Race timing by AREEP