FireKracker 5k
When is FireKracker 5k?
FireKracker 5k takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Fort Collins, CO.
What distances does FireKracker 5k offer?
FireKracker 5k offers 3 events: Kids 1-Mile, FireKracker 5k, Elite 5k.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids 1-Mile | 1.0 mi | $5.00 | Register |
| FireKracker 5k | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| Elite 5k | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
How much does FireKracker 5k cost?
Registration for FireKracker 5k starts at $10.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is FireKracker 5k held?
FireKracker 5k is held in Fort Collins, CO at City Park, Fort Collins.
About FireKracker 5k
Friday July 4th, 2026!
Walk ⭐️ Jog ⭐️ Run ⭐️ Race
Kick off your holiday festivities with a 5k in City Park, Fort Collins
Schedule:
Friday, July 3rd: Early Packet Pickup 2:00-6:00 pm
Location: TBA
Race Day - Saturday July 4th:
6:15-7:15 am - Packet Pickup & Registration
7:27 am - National Anthem
7:30 am - FireKracker 5k Start
8:30 am - Elite 5k Start
9:00 am - Kids 1-Mile Start
9:30 am - Awards Ceremony
10:00 am - CIty of Fort Collins Independence Day Parade
9:30 pm - City of Fort Collins Fireworks Display
2025 Elite Field
Women's Division
Fort Collins, CO |
Boulder, CO | 
Dani Cook Fort Collins, CO | 
Loveland, CO |
Fountain, CO | 
Boulder, CO |
Fort Collins, CO |
Fort Collins, CO |
Boulder, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO | 
Carly Larios Louisville, CO |
|
Dublin, NH |
Denver, CO |
Carr, CO |
Carr, CO |
Carr, CO |
Redondo Beach, CA |
Shelley McDonald Loveland, CO |
Boulder, CO |
|
Broomfield, CO | 
Davenport, IA | 
Boulder, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO |
Fort Collins, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO |
Men's Division
|
Alamosa, CO | 
Colorado Springs, CO |
Boulder, CO |
Aurora, CO |
|
Aurora, CO | 
Colorado Springs, CO |
Denver, CO | 
Cheyenne, WY |
Colorado Springs, CO | 
Boulder, CO | 
Loveland, CO |
Midlothian, TX |
Pines Bluff, WY |
Lafayette, CO |
Fort Collins, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO |
Loveland, CO | 
Breckenridge, CO | 
Alamosa, CO |
Greeley, CO |
|
Colorado Springs, CO |
Longmont, CO |
Arvada, CO | 
Fountain, CO |
|
Calvert City, KY | 
Loveland, CO |
Greeley, CO | 
Denver, CO |
|
Ben Pettys Lakewood, CO | 
Fort Collins, CO | 
Greeley, CO | 
Longmont, CO |
|
Longmont, CO |
Fort Collins, CO | 
Georgetow, TX | 
Boulder, CO |
Lakewood, CO | 
Boulder, CO |
Boulder, CO |
Fort Collins, CO |
|
Louisville, CO |
Non-Binary Division
Fort Collins, CO |
Awards
FireKracker Awards Ceremony ~ 9:15 am
Overall Awards:
Top 3 - Male, Female, & Non-binary
Masters Awards (40+):
Top 3 Male & Female age graded time
Age Group Awards:
Top 3 Male & Female in each of the following age categories:
12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 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+
* No duplication of awards.
*Overall all and age group winners will receive beautiful pottery awards made by local artisan and runner T.S. Berger.
*Awards not picked up on race day will be available for pickup at Runners Roost Fort Collins July 5th - 15th.
Elite Race Awards Ceremony ~ 9:30 am
Winners in the Elite Race win cash and custom race pottery awards.
Top 7 Male and Female, Top 3 Non-Binary, and Top 3 Masters Male and Female winners will split a ~$7000 cash prize purse!
See Elite 5k page for prize details
Beneficiary
FireKracker 5k Race Beneficiary:
The mission of the Fort Collins Running Club is to promote running in Fort Collins, Colorado, and its surrounding communities by:
Providing an enjoyable and positive running atmosphere.
Providing competitive and participatory events for runners of all abilities and interests.
Promoting the healthful benefits, both physical and mental, that running can provide.
Click here to see how you can get involved.
Course/Location
THE COURSE MAPS
Click on the images for larger interactive maps.
Elite 5k
The Elite 5k is a spectator friendly 4-lap criterium course around Sheldon Lake in City Park, Fort Collins. To run in the Elite 5k race entrants must meet qualifying standards.
Elite Race Start: 8:30am
Elite 5k Race Standards:
To qualify, entrants must submit a link to race results showing a finish time meeting the standards listed below from a race run on a USATF certified course in the last 18 months. To be eligible for an Elite 5k comp entry submit qualifying race results (see times below) to: elitecoordinator@greeneventsco.com
Qualifying Time Standards:
Male: 19:00
Female: 21:00
Non-Binary: 21:00
Comp Entry Time Standards:
Male: 15:10
Female: 18:00
Non-Binary: 18:00
Cash Prize Purse: Sponsored by The Fort Collins Running Club
Parking/Closures
Parking:
Please note: All streets within City Park are closed on July 4th!
There is no parking available within City Park. Please don’t drive around barricades or park on any of the following streets: Sheldon Drive, City Park Drive, Jackson Ave, Scott Ave, Oak Street, Mulberry Street. NO Parking at Golf Course. Your car will be towed.
You CAN NOT drive into City Park on July 4th - find parking in surrounding neighborhoods and walk in, or ride your bike to the park.
You CAN NOT drive into the park to pick up your packet or drop someone off. All streets into the park are closed at 4 am on July 4th. Parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods (except on streets noted above that are closed). Please plan an extra 15-20 minutes to park and walk into City Park. We recommend parking at Moby Arena or West Fall Hall lots and walking down Shields to West Mulberry street to Sheldon Drive.
Road Closures:
All interior roads in City Park
Mountain Ave - East bound lane closed - Grandview to Jackson
Grandview - Full street closure Mountain to Laporte
Laporte Ave - East bound lane closed - Taft to Grandview
Taft Hill - North bound lane closed - Mulberry to Laporte
Mulberry - West bound lane closed - Shields to Taft
Jackson - Full street closure Mulberry to Mountain
Oak - Full street closure Scott to Bryan
Bike Valet & Gear Check service near the Start/Finish line!
Bikes are highly recommended and encouraged!
Bike Valet:
Ride your bike to the park for the best parking spot at the event! Check it in at the free bike valet secured area and your bike will be safe during the event.
Gear Check:
Wear your warm-ups, bring your flip flops, and some $ for the coffee and food trucks. We will have a gear check at the bike valet parking area to check your gear before the race and keep it safe while you are running.
Thank You to GEARAGE OUTDOOR SPORTS for sponsoring this service!
Race Day Info
Volunteer Info & Perks
The FireKracker 5k needs volunteers to make the event happen!
Your time and talents would be greatly appreciated and will not only make the event a great experience for the participants but will contribute to the Fort Collins Running Club, a local non-profit with the mission to improve fitness through running.
RACE DAY VOLUNTEER PERKS
- Event VOLUNTEER t-shirt & hat
KIDS 1-MILE
Start Time: 9:00 am
*Or immediately following conclusion of the Elite 5k if it extends past 9:00 am
Start & Finish Location: Intersection of City Park Drive & Sheldon Drive
Course: 1 lap around Sheldon Lake
Open to all kids ages 5-12 yrs. Registration required. Parent/guardian may run with their child.
Registration includes official race bib #, timing, and finisher ribbon. No awards.
T-shirts can be purchased with registration for $10. Youth sizes available.
Shirts not guaranteed for registrations after June 20th.
Firekracker 5k
Start Time: 7:30 am
Start & Finish Location: City Park Drive in between Sheldon Dr. and Jackson Ave.
Start your holiday with a community celebration in the park!
Walk ⭐️ Jog ⭐️ Run ⭐️ Race
This is an event for everyone! All ages and abilities welcome, you don't have to be a "runner". You will see 5 year olds to 90+ year olds, runners, joggers, racers, pacers, walkers, strollers, wheelchairs/pushrim, dogs, costumes, smiles, and high 5s! Be part of the community celebration.
All participants receive:
- Official race shirt/tank
- Chip timing
- Free race photos
- Fully supported course
- Food and beverage
- Sponsor/Vendor Expo
- Chance to win awards
- Post-race entertainment - Spectator friendly Elite 5k & 4th of July Parade