Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
Race snapshot
Race Day
55–75°F · Feels mild
Total elevation gain
Challenging elevation · Net elevation change +66 ft
Crowd Rating
Moderate spectator support
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The Lowdown
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run is a Fourth of July road and trail race held every July 4 at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz, California. The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club organizes it, and the 2026 race was the 41st edition. Race morning opens with a Kids 1K fun run at 8:00, followed by the 10K at 8:30 and the 5K at 8:40. The 10K is known as the "Thrill of the Hill". It climbs through Pogonip Park to the Spring Trail and the UCSC meadow, then descends through westside neighborhoods back to Harvey West Park. The 5K stays flat inside the Harvey West Business Park area and is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible. The race is USATF sanctioned. Finishers gather in Harvey West Park for burritos, ice cream and awards, and the Rod Caborn Spirit Award goes to the most outrageously dressed runner. Proceeds support local youth through Safe Families for Children Monterey Bay, Hospice of Santa Cruz County's Camp Erin and the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Foundation.
Questions about the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run 2026
When is the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run 2026?
This edition ran on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The 2027 date is to be confirmed.
Where is the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run?
Santa Cruz, CA, United States.
What is the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run elevation gain?
120 m (394 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +20 m (66 ft). Challenging elevation.
What is the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run course like?
It passes Harvey West Park, the start and finish area, Pogonip Park, which the 10K climbs through and The Spring Trail and UCSC meadow on the 10K course.
What is the weather like at the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run?
Race-day temperatures are usually 13–24 °C (55–75 °F). Feels mild.
Where are the Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run results?
The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results
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