There's still time to enter the 'light-hearted' Firecracker 5K event in Ann Arbor
No matter how many runners show up Monday for the Firecracker 5K run in downtown Ann Arbor, race sponsor business manager Will Smith expects the event to retain its summer holiday atmosphere.
“It’s definitely a light-hearted atmosphere,” said Will Smith, who works with Champions for Charity. “I think a lot of the folks who dress up in costumes have been running in the race for years. Many of them stay for the parade, too.”
Runner take off at the start of the 2010 Firecracker 5K.
File photo
The Firecracker event returned with its sometimes Uncle Sam-styled costumed runners last year after a one-year hiatus and attracted 750 men and women for the 5-kilometer run. The 5K race begins at 8 a.m. at Fourth Avenue and Liberty just before the annual Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July parade. There will also be a 100-meter dash at 9:30 a.m. that is open to children 10 and under.
Smith hopes for a similar turnout Monday, but walk-up registration will be a key, he said.
“People are going to wait and see what their schedules are and what the weather will be like,” Smith said.
The early forecast for Monday calls for a chance of thundershowers and temperatures in the low 80s.
Smith said the ongoing construction work in the downtown area would not interfere with the race. The course will be the same as last year’s, which includes a trip through the University of Michigan diag.
“It was such a popular part of the race,” Smith said. “We wanted to do it again.”
Registration is open online until Saturday, but racers can register in person at Tortise and Hare Running and Fitness Center in Ann Arbor between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday. On the day of the race, runners can register starting at 6:30 a.m.
The cost is $26 if you register by Friday and $32 if you register on Saturday through Monday. The kid’s dash is $13 through Friday and $15 if you register afterward. A part of each entrant fee goes to the University of Michigan Project Healthy Schools and CFC Fit Kid Champions Program.
Those who wish to run in the race or help volunteer, can visit a2firecracker5k.com.
Matt Durr covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at mattdurr@annarbor.com.