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Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run

July 4, 2027 · 8:30 AMSanta Cruz, CA, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

57°F

Feels mild

Total elevation gain

394ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +66 ft

Participants

700

Intimate field

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

Sources for this edition

Start time, Entry · Checked Sep 19, 2026

The Lowdown

The Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run is a Fourth of July tradition in Santa Cruz, California, hosted every July 4 by the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club since 1985. Runners choose a hilly 10K, a flat 5K, or a Kids 1K fun run, all starting and finishing at Harvey West Park. The signature 10K climbs Pogonip Park's "Thrill of the Hill" before topping out on the Spring Trail through the UCSC meadow and dropping back down through the westside neighborhoods. The 5K stays flat and fast, looping entirely inside the Harvey West Business Park area, and is stroller, ADA, and wheelchair accessible. The event is USATF sanctioned, and 100% of runner proceeds support local youth through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation and beneficiaries such as the For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay. Race morning includes a post-race breakfast burrito, ice cream, and an awards ceremony, plus the new Rod Caborn Spirit Award for the most spiritedly costumed finisher, honoring the race's longtime emcee.

Previous edition results — 2026

Entry Methods: Online registration via RunSignUp
In-person packet pickup the day before the race
Race-morning registration, subject to availability
Eligibility: Open to all ages and abilities; the Kids 1K is a non-competitive kid-friendly fun run
Required Documents: Photo ID recommended for in-person bib pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, per RunSignUp's standard event terms; the organizer has not published a separate cancellation policy

01: 100% of runner proceeds support local youth through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation and beneficiaries such as the For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay.
02: USATF sanctioned event.
03: New for the 2026 edition (its 41st year, coinciding with the U.S. 250th anniversary): the Rod Caborn Spirit Award, given to the most spiritedly costumed finisher, honoring longtime race emcee Rod Caborn, who died earlier in 2026.

Prepare for This Race

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