Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck

Kick off your Fourth of July the Epic Races way: join us in downtown Ann Arbor on the 4th of July for our classic Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck! Our 3.1-mile course gets underway at a truly red, white, and blue locale: the intersection of Liberty and 4th... where else would you start a race on the 4th of July? Racers then loop around downtown and come in for a spectacular star-spangled finish in front of thousands of spectators.

2025 Schedule of Events:

6:30 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration open

7:45 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration close

7:47 AM — Hot dog eaters to the stage

7:50 AM — Pacers to line up 

7:52 AM — Remarks

7:55 AM — Nation Anthem 

8:00 AM — 200-meter Kids’ Dash

8:05 AM — Ruckers Start

8:08 AM — Hot Dog Eating

8:10 AM —  5K Start

8:20 AM — 1 Mile Fun Run Start 

Add an all-American angle to your outing by opting for one of our 3 special holiday divisions:

☆It's Back for 2026☆
Rucking Division: Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a staple of military training, as soldiers must be able to carry weapons, food and other supplies for long distances. Embrace an even HEAVIER challenge when you sign up for the Ruck Division.

 

 

The Flag Carrying Division: Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.

Hot Dog Eating Division:  It’s simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge — up to 20 competitors — will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway. Consider it our version of the world-famous Nathan’s Hot-Dog Eating Contest, which is held annually in New York City every Independence Day.

Don't have the time for 5K? Try our timed 1-Mile Fun Run! A fun, friendly course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage. Whether you choose to make it competitive or relaxed, enjoy this frolic through downtown on the 4th of July!

 

Our littlest firecrackers are invited to make a bang all their own in our Kids’ 200-Meter Dash. Open to competitors ages 8 and under, our Kids’ Dash offers children the opportunity soar like eagles down Liberty Street, completing their race at the same finish line as Mom or Dad!

 

Kids can continue celebrating Independence Day at the corner of State and William, where they can take part in the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade (accompanied by a parent or guardian)!

 

The Firecracker 5K is walker friendly!

 

Sunglasses and medals for all participants in all divisions!    

 

Zero Waste

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running!

Here is a helpful solution to inspire your employees to engage in a Corporate Wellness Program and create a more effective culture of health and wellness in the workplace.  By encouraging your employees to work together towards the common goal of crossing the finish line, an event like this will help enhance or build your own Corporate Wellness Program by exposing your team to the ideals of health, camaraderie, and inspiration that could then be translated to the workplace.

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." - Henry Ford

Registering your team is simple. Your organization can pre-pay for all your employees at one time. Your organization receives discounted entries and recognition depending on your team size. See discounts and perks below. If your employees aren't local, no problem! We offer a virtual option in addition to in-person.  

This is a great opportunity for organizations of all sizes to promote workplace wellness, build teamwork, and even support a charity! Organizations are divided into divisions based on the total number of employees. This is a simple way for coworkers to get active, have fun... and maybe even win a trophy!

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." - John F. Kennedy

Here's how it works:
Step 1 - Choose your estimated team size - don't worry if you are unsure!
Step 2 - Fill out the interest form.
Step 3 - We will set up a time for a quick chat about race weekend including (participation, volunteers, and benefits, and answer any questions).
Step 4 - We will send you an invoice, and upon payment, give you codes for your employees to register.
Step 5 - Start training!
Step 6 - Celebrate at the finish line!

* Discounted Pricing:
50+ Save 20% per entry
40-49 Save 15% per entry
30-39 Save 10% per entry
20-29 Save 5% per entry

Ready to sign your team up now and talk through your participation in our Corporate Wellness Program? Click this link to set up a time to discuss details with the race director. Otherwise, fill out this interest form, and we will be in touch very soon to discuss all of the details including your team discount, event distances, training, and anything else you want to discuss! 

Questions? Call 734-585-7101 or email helpdesk@epicraces.com

How many hot dogs can you eat in 76 seconds?
Well… if the answer is 5, you won’t have that option!  Here are the rules:

• This event will be a 76-second hot dog eating contest with a twist ... or actually, a run!
• Participants will be given 4 hot dogs in buns and two 32 oz. cups of water for dunking or drinking. Condiments are BYO!
• Classic Nathan’s FamousTM eating rules will be in effect: Food can be separated, dunked, and mashed in an effort to consume the most hot dogs.
  Should a participant be observed hiding their hot dogs, dropping them under the table, or placing them on another participant’s plate, they will be disqualified. Participants who suffer a reversal of fortune and/or urges contrary to swallowing (i.e. vomiting) will be disqualified (and possibly laughed at). Once the 76 seconds are over and everybody is running, reversal of fortune will not be monitored.
  The “Chipmunking Rule” will be in effect: All food must be swallowed 30 seconds after the 1-minute buzzer or it will not be counted. Participants who are found in violation of the “Chipmunking Rule” will be penalized 1⁄2 a hot dog.
• Each participant will start the 5K run once the four hot dogs are consumed or the buzzer goes off, whichever comes first.
• Judges will determine the final amounts eaten by counting what is left on each plate. One minute will be taken off of finish time for each hot dog that is gone. Percentages count as well!
• ☆BONUS☆ Any participant who finishes all 4 hot dogs before the buzzer goes off will get DOUBLE the time reduction!!
• The event is limited to a total of 20 participants.
• The overall winner will be awarded the Firecracker Heavyweight belt and have a chance to revel in their glory by riding in the 4th of July parade following the race!

Book your group rate for Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K!

 

AC HOTEL - Ann Arbor Downtown for 199.00 USD per night

Must call in to reserve 734-249-6200

*Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 03, 2026!

 

Even Hotel - Briarwood Mall for $139.00 USD per night

Reserve through this booking link!

*Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 09, 2026!

 

If you looking for additional activities while you are in town, check out Destination Ann Arbor for local deals and events!

Looking for some extra support in your goal to finish the Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K? Are you looking to run a personal best? The Epic Pace Team will help you meet your performance goals!

We are proud to provide pacers for the 5K distances with our Epic Pacers! They will be available for the following distances:

5K – :21, :24, :27, :30, :33, and :36 total finish time

How will I find the Epic Pacers on race day? The pacers will be at the start line 15 minutes before the start of the race. This will give you a chance to talk to them, learn more about the plan for pacing, and ask any questions you might have. They will be holding signs with their goal pace and finish time and will be wearing a Epic Pacer uniform. 

Why should I run with a Epic Pacer? The Epic Pacers are set up to help you reach your goal time in the race. The pacers have been selected from a pool of applicants and proved themselves to be excellent at this job. These runners have volunteered to run with you, cheer you on, and inspire you to get to your goal. 

 

How will I know which pace group is right for me? The pace groups are assigned different finish times, to meet the goals of different runners. To determine your own goal time, use your past races, recent training runs, and current fitness. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to start at the pace of the longest run that you did during your race build-up. You can then accelerate during the later stages of the race if you find this pace is too easy. If you aren't sure how to match up your pace with your goal finish time, you can use this pace predictor to help choose your group.

⭐ Important Packet Pickup Information⭐
Your bib number will be assigned at packet pickup. Please come prepared with the QR code you received in your confirmation email. Don't have it?  You can have it resent following these instructions.

You may pick up packets for others. Come prepared with their QR code and a copy of their ID.

👉YOU HAVE 3 OPPORTUNITIES TO PICK UP YOUR PACKET

HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 

Time: 4 - 6 p.m.

Ann Arbor Running Company, Downtown location: 209 S. Ashley, Ann Arbor

Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Time: 4 - 6 p.m.

Race Start Line, 200 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 7:45 a.m.

Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack!

Join the "Competitive Division" for just ruck for fun in the "Fun Ruck"!

To qualify for the COMPETITIVE RUCKING DIVISION:

Participants weighing 149lbs or less, a 10-pound weight is required
Participants weighing 150lbs or more, a 20 pound weight is required.
Note: Weighted vests and plate carriers are allowed and do qualify. LEOs, Military, and Firefighters in full gear also qualify for the competitive rucking division.

Finishers who pass all weight requirements will qualify for overall and age-group awards. Rucks will be weighed at the finish line and must remain compliant with the prescribed weight from start to finish.

We enthusiastically welcome ruckers who choose not to carry the minimum weight requirement to participate in the FUN RUCK DIVISION! These participants will skip the weigh-in and will not qualify for a rucking award. Join us and give it a shot, even if you’re rucking with a yoga block! All participants are required to supply their own rucks and weights.

The You're a Grand Old Flag-Carrying Race division is our tribute to that high-flying flag, the emblem of the land we love. Participants who register for this division must follow the following guidelines:

• Each participant must carry an American flag for the entirety of the 5K.
• Each participant must provide their own American flag for this event.
• The American flag's blue field (canton) with stars must be in the upper left corner from the observer's perspective
• The American flag to be carried must be a minimum of three (3) feet in height and five (5) feet in length.
• The American flag must be mounted on a portable flag pole bearing no sharp edges or ends.
• The American flag must never touch the ground at any point during this event.
• The American flag and its pole must be carried with control throughout the duration of the event. Participants in the Old Glory division are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and carry the flag and pole in a safe manner, continually aware of the other participants in their vicinity.

Please note that the Old Glory division is its own separate category. Participants do not compete against the regular Firecracker 5K runners but rather have separate awards:

First Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary

All kids 10 and under race free with a registered adult at all Epic Races, compliments of

Ann Arbor Sports Commission!

 

Please note that in the interest of safety, all courses are subject to change at any time at the race director's discretion.

FOLDS OF HONOR FIRECRACKER 5K COURSE

 

FIRECRACKER 1-MILE FUN RUN

 

Everybody knows we have the most EPIC awards ever! 

Age Groups (Male/Female/Nonbinary Divisions)
8 and under, 9-10, 11-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

5K
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/ Female/Nonbinary

Hot Dog Eating Division
1st Place Overall 
1st in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

Flag Carrying Division
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

 

2026 swag is coming soon!

 

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace?

 

Read the Ann Arbor Firecracker 2024 Sustainability report from Happy Planet Running here!

 

1-Mile Fun Run: Event T-shirt

5K: Event T-shirt

5K: Flag Carrying Division: Event T-shirt

5K: Hot Dog Eating Division: Event T-shirt

Virtual 5K: Event T-shirt

5K: Rucking Division: Event T-shirt

1-Mile Fun Ruck: Event T-shirt

Virtual 5K: Rucking Division: Event T-shirt