The Firecracker 4 Road Race in Saratoga Springs, an annual event on the Fourth of July, will be held again this year in the city, with three charities designated as beneficiaries of the proceeds.
It kicks off Saratoga’s All-American Celebration that day, which features a parade, various activities downtown and in Congress Park, and fireworks. Food, refreshments, live music and a vendor courtyard are part of the day.
The Firecracker 4 is a competitive, yet fun, race that includes a start on Broadway, runners going through historic city neighborhoods. It starts at 9 a.m.
Proceeds will benefit the Saratoga Springs High School track/field/cross country program, the Wilton YMCA expansion and the Saratoga Springs Greenbelt Trail Project, which seeks to link existing trails into a 10-mile path encompassing the city.
The 2014 Firecracker 4 includes a special recognition of military and public safety competitors, including team competitions; and a Run-Your-Colors team competition, where companies or organizations that bring the most registered runners compete for the bragging rights.
This year, the winning team Run-Your-Colors earns a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
The race is also the USATF Adirondack 4 Mile grand prix event and third annual USATF team championship race. There will be $5,000 in prizes, as well as 174 award categories and prizes, organizers said.
“The extraordinary success of this race is due to the incredible support of our volunteers, the city of Saratoga Springs and our public service team,” said directors Peter Goutos and Bob Vanderminden.
They said last year over 10,000 people converged on the city making for Saratoga Spring’s All-American Celebration. The all-day celebration will consist of a variety of activities downtown, particularly Congress Park, including an All-American barbecue and dessert tasting festival, live music, a classic car show, historic tours, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The fireworks display in Congress Park at dusk will be sponsored by Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
Runners can register for the Firecracker 4 online at a cost of $26. The forms are found at the event website, www.firecracker4.com.
On the day of the race, registration will start at 7 a.m. at Saratoga City Center. The parade is anticipated to step off at about 11 a.m.
For more information call Peter on 316-4445 or pgoutos@casmithllc.com. Saratoga’s All American Celebration website is www.saratogajuly4th.com.
Photo Courtesy Dave Harmon