Last year, there was something missing from the July Fourth celebration in Ann Arbor. There was still a parade, residents invited family and friends over for cookouts, and they enjoyed the fireworks at night. People could even watch the annual hot dog-eating contest on TV. But something was off.

The Firecracker 5K, which had become an Ann Arbor staple in its nine-year existence, was absent, disappointing local running and health enthusiasts who had helped to make it an annual tradition, which ends just before the Ann Arbor parade begins, making it a unique morning of Fourth of July celebration.

The Firecracker 5K is back this year with the help of a new sponsor, Champions For Charity, the nonprofit organization behind Big House Big Heart, a run that ends on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium.

“I think there was a demand for it last year, and I think people felt like they lost out on a local tradition,” said Will Smith, assistant manager at the Champions for Charity Foundation. “We wanted to bring that back. Of course, there’s a lot of folks that will be gone for the holiday, visiting family, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people are signing up that aren’t from Ann Arbor.”

Smith says he’s very pleased with the turnout. More than 1,000 runners have signed up and registration is still open. For those who wish to sign up, there is online registration until 5 p.m. Friday. You can also register at the Tortoise and Hare Running and Fitness Center on Saturday and at the Liberty Street booth on the morning of the race. Early registration is $26, and race day is $32.

When the race’s original sponsor, Tortoise and Hare, opted to faze out of the race promoting business, Champions For Charity saw a great opportunity to support its newest health campaign, the Fit Kids Champions Program. So the two organizations teamed to put the race this year.

Portions of the racers’ entry fees and donations collected will go to the Fit Kids Champions Program and to the University of Michigan Hospital Cardiovascular Center’s Healthy Schools initiative.

“Fit Kids is teaching a heart-healthy lifestyle,” Smith said. “They’re teaching students to eat fruits, eat less of fast food and spent more time being active. We’re a good partnership with UM’s Healthy Schools, because we’re more of the fitness end.”

In addition to the race, the Firecracker 5K will have a 100-meter dash rash for kids 10 and under.

Smith says there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved. Champions for Charity is in need of volunteers to help out during the race. To help — or sign up to run — visit a2firecracker5k.com.