The Firecracker Fast 5K is upon us yet again. The Little Rock tradition will see its 40th running pop off at 7:30 a.m. July 4.
A quick run down memory lane, courtesy of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette archives:
Founded in 1977, the race was first run by 74 people and not as a 5K. It was a 7-mile course winding through Cammack Village and the Little Rock Heights district.
For reference, 1,253 racers did the 2015 Firecracker Fast 5K.
It has changed locations three times, moving first to Rock Creek on Chenal Parkway as a 4-mile race from 1978 to '80, then to Maumelle between 1981 and '87 (and shortening to a 5K -- 3.1 miles -- in 1987) and finally to its current venue in 1988 (a route similar to what we know today with the origin near Kavanaugh Boulevard's intersection with North University Avenue and culmination occurring at War Memorial Stadium).
There have been minor tweaks to the course since '88. For a few years, the finish line was actually the 50-yard line in War Memorial Stadium, but the stadium installed new, natural turf in 1994, so the race began finishing in the parking lot.
Online registration is available until midnight Saturday for $25 (plus a small transaction fee). After online registration closes, late and on-site registration will cost $30.
Packet pickup and late registration will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Fleet Feet Sports Easy Runner in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road. Packets will include a swag bag, race bib and a T-shirt (while supplies last).
Race-day packet pickup and last-minute registration will be 6 to 7:15 a.m. at the starting line. Baby strollers are welcome but will line up at the back of the pack. Dogs are not allowed.
The course begins near the Bank of America branch at Kavanaugh Boulevard and North University Avenue. It runs down Kavanaugh hill before turning on Van Buren Street, crossing Markham onto Fair Park Boulevard, running uphill briefly behind War Memorial and finishing on North Monroe Street. It has been listed as one of the fastest 5Ks in the USA due to its almost entirely downhill course.
Course records reflect the speeds possible. The men's record is 13:26.4, set in 1992 by Reuben Reina of Fayetteville. The women's record is 15:23.6, set in 1990 by Collette Murphy of Indianapolis. Take note of these two records, because anybody beating them will receive $500.
The first-place male and female overall finishers and top runners in the masters categories receive $300 each.
It's a point-to-point race. Organizers suggest that participants park at the starting line and begin arriving around 6:30 a.m. Two trolleys will shuttle finishers from War Memorial Stadium to the starting line after the race, from 8 to 10 a.m. Another option, which I will be using, is parking at War Memorial before the race and catching a ride from a friend to the top of Kavanaugh.
Racers will be chip-timed, and the awards ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m. I've already mentioned the prize money for the fastest overall and masters runners, but there also will be awards given three deep by sex and age group. Also, the first 50 men and 50 women (based on gun time) will receive firecracker awards, and all kids ages 12 and under will get a finisher's medal.
I'm particularly looking forward to this 5K because it is going to be my 7-year-old nephew's first race. He has been doing some running in his PE class at school and decided he was ready to try. I'm hoping the combination of a downhill course and promise of a finisher's medal will make for a successful morning. Fingers crossed for good weather, which, in all honesty, could mean rain if that would take the edge off the heat (the website says the race will take place rain or shine).
For more information and registration, visit firecrackerfast5k.racesonline.com.
In the Little Rock area on Independence Day? Don't forget about the actual fireworks at Pops on the River, sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The event runs noon to 10 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled for 9:30, in the River Market District in downtown Little Rock. Visit pops.arkansasonline.com.
Run for Vets: 4 on the 4th
In Fayetteville, Run for Vets supports 7Hills Homeless Center by sponsoring a 4-mile run on the trails around Lake Fayetteville and a mile walk at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at Veterans Memorial Park.
Online registration is available for either race for $25 until midnight Saturday.
Packet pickup is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Apple Blossom Brewing Co., 1550 E. Zion Road, Fayetteville.
Race-day registration and packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m. at the park. The first 300 runners registered will receive a T-shirt and a pint glass from Apple Blossom Brewing Co.
Racers will be chip-timed. Awards will be given three-deep to the fastest overall men and women. There will be music, food and refreshments after the race.
For registration, visit runforvets.com.
5K Freedom Fest Run
The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce will fire the starting pistol for this 5K at 7:30 a.m. July 4. The race will begin at the Means Wilkinson Community Center at 71 W. Center St.
Online registration is available until noon Thursday for $20. Race-day registration will be available at $30.
Race-day packet pickup and registration (cash or check only) will be from 6:30 to 7:20 a.m. T-shirts will be available to the first 300 paid registrations.
To register, visit greenwoodarkansas.com.
Please send tips for active recreation to
cbyrd@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 06/27/2016