2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
When is 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run?
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Santa Cruz, CA.
What distances does 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run offer?
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run offers 3 events: 5K, Kids 1K, 10K.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Kids 1K | — | $10.00 | Register |
| 10K | — | $40.00 | Register |
How much does 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run cost?
Registration for 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run starts at $10.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run held?
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run is held in Santa Cruz, CA at Harvey West Park.
About 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
The 41st Annual Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run is one of Santa Cruz's most beloved Fourth of July traditions — and 2026 is unlike any other. Our nation turns 250, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style at Harvey West Park on July 4th.
Choose your distance — the legendary 10K Thrill of the Hill, the flat and fast 5K, or the Kids 1K Fun Run. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a race for you. Stick around after for burritos, Izzy's Ice, and awards.
As a 100% volunteer organization, every registration dollar goes directly to local youth through our 2026 beneficiaries and Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation. We're going for 1,000+ runners this year — grab your crew and be part of history.
10K Course
10K — Thrill of the Hill
Take on the legendary Thrill of the Hill — a scenic and challenging route through Pogonip Park, up the Spring Trail winding through the stunning UCSC meadow, then back down through the westside neighborhoods to finish strong at Harvey West Park. Start time: 8:30 AM
View the interactive course map with elevation profile, turn-by-turn directions, and distance markers.
View Interactive 10K Map →
← Back to All Course Maps5K Course
5K — Fast & Flat
A flat, fast three-loop street course contained entirely in the Harvey West Business Park area. Stroller, ADA, and wheelchair accessible — everyone is welcome. Start time: 8:40 AM
View the interactive course map with elevation profile, turn-by-turn directions, and distance markers.
View Interactive 5K Map →
← Back to All Course MapsBecome a Sponsor
Become a Firecracker Sponsor
Since 1985, the Firecracker has been a Santa Cruz Independence Day tradition. Started by the City of Santa Cruz and adopted by the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club in 2004, this beloved race has raised funds for deserving local charities for over four decades. As a 100% volunteer organization, every dollar of your sponsorship goes directly back into the community.
By becoming a sponsor you help sustain this beloved tradition while making a tangible impact on our community. In return we will promote your business through event advertising, website recognition, and event-day exposure.
2026 Sponsorship Levels
| Level | Price | VIP @ Race | Logo on Website | Logo Shirt | Race Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major | $5,000 | ✓ | ✓ | XL | 10 |
| Premier | $2,500 | ✓ | L | 6 | |
| Finish Line | $1,500 | ✓ | M | 4 | |
| The Hill | $1,250 | ✓ | S | 4 | |
| Award | $1,000 | ✓ | S | 2 | |
| Hero | $750 | S | 2 | ||
| Trail | $500 | Name Only | Name Only | 1 | |
| Fun Run Friend | $250 | Name Only | Name Only | 0 |
Two Easy Ways to Become a Sponsor
★ Option 1 — Online
Visit our sponsorship site to explore available levels and lock in your sponsorship via secure online payment.
Sponsor Online →★ Option 2 — By Check
Download and complete a Sponsorship Request Form then send it in with your check.
Download Form →You may also request an invoice by contacting us at Sponsorships@SantaCruzFirecracker10k.org
2026 Beneficiaries
Your sponsorship helps make a real difference. 100% of runner proceeds support these incredible local organizations:
Safe Families for Children Monterey Bay — keeping local kids safe and families together across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Learn more →
Camp Erin Santa Cruz County — a free weekend bereavement camp for grieving children and teens ages 6–17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Learn more →
Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation — supporting High School Scholarships and vital community programs for over four decades.
Course Maps
Course Maps
The 2026 Firecracker offers three courses for all abilities and ages. Click on any course below to view the full map and details.
10K — Thrill of the Hill
A scenic and challenging route through Harvey West Park, Pogonip, and Santa Cruz city streets. This one earns its legendary reputation. Start time: 8:30 AM
View 10K Course Map →5K — Fast & Flat
A flat, fast three-loop street course in the Harvey West Business Park area. Stroller, ADA, and wheelchair accessible — everyone is welcome. Start time: 8:40 AM
View 5K Course Map →Kid's 1K Fun Run
A fun, kid-friendly loop around Harvey West Park for ages 1–10. Each participant receives a blue ribbon and the top three finishers earn medals. Start time: 8:00 AM
View Kids 1K Course Map →Event Schedule
Event Schedule
★ Friday, July 3rd — Bib Pick-up
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
119 Madrone Street, Santa Cruz, CA
🍺 First 200 runners to pick up get a FREE beer — come early!
★ Saturday, July 4th — Race Day
7:00 – 8:30 AM — Race Day Bib Pick-up at Harvey West Park Clubhouse
🚗 Park at Costco by 7:15 AM to beat road closures
⏱ Race Start Times
8:00 AM — Kid's 1K Fun Run (starts by Costco Parking Lot)
8:30 AM — 10K (starts on Harvey West Blvd)
8:40 AM — 5K (starts on Harvey West Blvd)
🎉 After the Race — approx. 10:00 AM
Awards ceremony and brunch served at Harvey West Park. 🌯 Burrito + Izzy's Ice for all finishers!
Kid's 1K Course
Kid's 1K Fun Run
A fun, kid-friendly loop around Harvey West Park for ages 1–10. Each participant receives a blue ribbon and the top three finishers earn medals. Start time: 8:00 AM
View the interactive course map with turn-by-turn directions and distance markers.
View Interactive Kids 1K Map →
← Back to All Course MapsCelebrate the 41st Annual Firecracker & America's 250th Birthday
This is one you don’t want to miss!
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is fired up to bring you the 2026 Firecracker — and this year is unlike any other. Our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, and we’re throwing the party Santa Cruz style: lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and kick off Independence Day the way this community has for over four decades at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz, CA.
We’re calling all runners, walkers, families, and friends — our goal is 1,000+ runners this year!
That’s right. We want to make the 2026 Firecracker the biggest in our history. So grab your crew, sign up your neighbors, rope in your coworkers, and let’s pack Harvey West Park on the Fourth of July. Whether you’re chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there’s a run for you.
The Run
Three courses. One incredible morning.
10K — Take on the legendary “Thrill of the Hill” through Pogonip Park, top out on the Spring Trail winding through the stunning UCSC meadow, then drop back down through the westside neighborhoods and finish strong at Harvey West Park. This one earns its reputation.
5K — Flat, fast, and contained entirely in the Harvey West Business Park area. The 5K course is stroller, ADA, and wheelchair accessible — everyone is welcome.
Kid’s 1K Fun Run — Get the littles in on the action! A fun, kid-friendly course to kick off race morning.
Click on the Course Map tab above to see maps for all three courses.
⏱ Race Start Times
8:00 AM — Kid’s 1K
8:30 AM — 10K
8:40 AM — 5K
After the run, everyone heads to Harvey West Park to celebrate!
🌯 Burrito + Izzy’s Ice 🎍 Awards at Harvey West Park (approx. 10:00 AM)
🏭 Refer a Runner!
When you register, you’ll have the option to refer 5 people — friends or family. If all five register, you’ll get an automatic refund. 5 referrals for the 5K and 10K earn a $10 refund; for the 1K it’s a $5 refund. So what are you waiting for — Pay it Forward and claim your refunds!
Support Our Youth!
2026 Firecracker Run Beneficiaries
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is proud that 100% of runner proceeds support local youth. Every registration dollar goes right back into helping kids in Santa Cruz County. This year we are proud to support two incredible organizations:
Additional proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation, which supports High School Scholarships and other vital community programs.
Safe Families for Children Monterey Bay mobilizes community volunteers to keep local kids safe and out of foster care while supporting parents through crisis. Serving Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties since 2019, they surround families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other hardships with a circle of trusted relationships — because no family should have to face hard times alone.
Santa Cruz County Hospice's Camp Erin gives grieving children and teens ages 6–17 a free weekend camp experience in the Santa Cruz Mountains where they can share their loss, build friendships with peers who truly understand, and discover they are not alone. Operated by Hospice of Santa Cruz County, it’s a rare and beautiful gift for kids carrying some of life’s heaviest burdens.
Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation has served the Santa Cruz community for over four decades as a 100% volunteer organization. Additional proceeds from the Firecracker support High School Scholarships and other vital community programs that make a lasting difference for young people in Santa Cruz County.
With Gratitude!
★ Sponsor Recognition
We'd like to thank all of our fantastic sponsors for your support.
Your generosity makes the Firecracker possible and keeps every registration dollar working for kids right here in Santa Cruz County.