FIRECRACKER4 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 (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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Elite Runner Registration, Prize Money, and Amenities
The Firecracker 4 is a world-class community event. It is also fast!
FC4 Events is proud to offer the following amenities to our elite runners in the Firecracker 4:
1. Prize money:
- 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 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.
2. Use of designated warmup and gear storage Elite area in the Saratoga City Center.
3. Complimentary entry to The Firecracker 4 for elite qualified individuals as follows:
The top 5 male and top 5 female finishers from the 2024 Firecracker 4 race will receive complimentary entry into our 2025 Elite Field by contacting Vince Juliano at hamletbryans@nycap.rr.com.
Standards for other elite racers (who also must contact Vince Juliano at hamletbryans@nycap.rr.com):
- Open Men’s standard (4 miles) 20:00
- Masters Men’s Standard 21:15
- Open Women’s Standard (4 miles) 23:00
- Masters Women’s Standard 24:15
Note: Athletes who have 5K or 10K times in the past year that clearly show the ability to meet these standards will be accepted. Please contact Vince Juliano at hamletbryans@nycap.rr.com with your information.
4. A course record special bonus of $250 is awarded if a record is set in the Open Division. Current course records are: Men 18:58 and Women 20:32. View our complete All-Time Course Records listing.
For all inquiries regarding Elite Racing at the Firecracker 4 please contact Vince Juliano at hamletbryans@nycap.rr.com or FC4Events at hello@fc4events.com.
High School Alumni Team 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.
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
"Run Your Colors" Team 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.
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.
Free Training Series in June with Fleet Feet & ASICS
June 5 to July 1 in Saratoga Springs
Athletes of all abilities are invited to join our free lead-up training series held in Saratoga Springs. From June 5 to July 1 come participate in these friendly, coach-led workouts and fun activities, including ASICS shoe demos; raffles for race entries, ASICS gear, and restaurant gift cards; and more!
After each training session, you’re invited to gather with the group for refreshments: complimentary track-side refreshments on Saturdays and self-paid fabulous fare from our local restaurant sponsors on Thursdays.
Workouts will be led by two of the Fleet Feet training program’s longtime coaches, Mark Mindel and Jeff Casale. Thank you, Mark and Jeff!
In addition, we thank Fleet Feet and ASICS for their ongoing support of the Firecracker 4 and this training series. And, we extend our sincere 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, to obtain ASICS demo shoes you wish to try, and for other pre-workout activities.
SARATOGA SPRINGS LEAD-UP SERIES SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 5, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thorn & Roots (website)
46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Skidmore loop
Order Thorn & Roots fare afterward!
Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: 800s & 200s
Complimentary coffee & bagels afterward. Thank you ASICS!
Thursday, June 12, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thirsty Owl (website)
184 S. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Congress Park hill loop
Enjoy relaxing at Thirsty Owl afterward!
Saturday, June 14, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: 600s & 300s
Complimentary coffee & bagels afterward. Thank you ASICS!
Thursday, June 19, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thorn & Roots (website)
46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Firecracker 4 course rehearsal run
Order Thorn & Roots fare afterward!
Saturday, June 21, 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
Complimentary snacks from our restaurant sponsors afterward!
Thursday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.
Location: 9 Miles East (website)
64 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: The FINAL HILL of the course…the workout everyone waits for 🙂
Complimentary 9 Miles East pizza afterward!
Saturday, June 28, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saratoga Springs High School Track
1 Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Track tune-up, short and fast
Adjourn to the patio at Wheatfields (website) at 440 Broadway (directions) for breakfast afterward!
Tuesday, July 1, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Thirsty Owl (website)
184 S. Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (directions)
Workout: Firecracker 4 course rehearsal (partial)
Enjoy fare from the Thirsty Owl menu afterward!
Packet Pick-Up
You can pick up your bib, shirt, and other event materials at these locations:
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- Tuesday, July 1 at Fleet Feet Albany, 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 2 at Fleet Feet Malta, 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, July 3 at Saratoga Springs City Center, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 4 at Saratoga Springs City Center, beginning at 7 a.m. until shortly before 9:00 a.m. race start
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
CASmith LLC, Greenwich Ford, Upstate Sports
Building On Love, Interactive Media Consulting, 9 Miles East, Dizzy Chicken, Thorn and Roots, Thirsty Owl
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
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