
From the Organizer
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.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
74°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
3%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Cruz, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
36 ft
Nearest Airport
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
Coming Up
Summer 2026 Santa Cruz Track Club All Comers Meet
Less than a mile away
San Lorenzo River Trail Run
Less than a mile away
Race Thru the Redwoods
5 miles away
Santa Cruz Trail Run
5 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
Jul 4, 2026