Charley Western Firecracker 5
- Date
- July 4, 2026
- Distance
- Charley Western Firecracker 5K Race
From the Organizer
Annual 5K race along the Cedar River in Charles City, IA. This will be the 24th anniversary of the event, which kicks off Charles City’s July 4th festivities. 2026 has the added distinction of being our nation’s 250th anniversary! Awards will be given for the Most Patriotic Individual Outfit and Most Patriotic Team Outfits, so be creative!
Early Board Registration is $30 per person for ages 18 and up, and $25 for ages 17 and under if you register by June 19th. After June 19th it is $5 more.
Teams of 5 people can register for only $135 if they submit their registrations by June 19th. Show off your team pride and challenge other teams to participate!
Proceeds from the Firecracker 5K will go toward improvements on the community recreational trail.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
82°
Typical Low
62°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Charles City, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Charles City, IA
Population
7,321
as of 2023
Elevation
1,002 ft
Nearest Airport
MCW
Mason City Municipal Airport · 34 mi
Major Hub
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 117 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Charley Western Firecracker 5, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
- Race
- Charley Western Firecracker 5
- Date
- July 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Charles City, IA
Claydigger 5K Run/Walk & Kids 400m Dash
Youth
30 miles away
VFI July 4th Freedom Run/Walk
25 miles away
20th Annual Elma Days 5k/10k Run/Walk
10K · 5K
20 miles away
Iowa ORI Fundraiser
20 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the Charley Western Firecracker 5?
- Charley Western Firecracker 5 is a running race held in Charles City, Iowa on July 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Charley Western Firecracker 5?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Charles City, Iowa at 1 Comet Drive (by high school football field), Charles City, IA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Charley Western Firecracker 5?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Charley Western Firecracker 5
Jul 4, 2026