
From the Organizer
The Morning of July 4th, We are coming together to celebrate health, fitness, community support/connections and building positivity this July 4th, 2026 at the DWTC & MC Kids Compassion Firecracker 5K! Join runners, walkers, families, and strollers for a high-energy race through Dayton’s Island Park & Triangle Park that brings the community together in true Fellowship for fun and support of children battling illness.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, trying to simply make some new connections, give back to the community or just coming out for fun, this event is for all ages and fitness levels. Expect an electric atmosphere filled with music, motivational running stations, bubbles, superheroes, and vibes that will fill your fitness and spiritual cup, making the holiday weekend a blessing from start to finish.
Big Thanks to our event Partners: Mount Calvary Kids Children’s Ministry as we support **Brave Gowns (hyperlink)** – an organization that supplies fun, kid friendly decorative gowns for children with long hospital stays. This event focuses on the importance of helping, supporting and giving back to our community members that are dealing with extensive medical conditions! We’re having fun and showing compassion by running for children who have difficulty running with us!
What to Expect:
• 5K run/walk for all levels | Hype, Entertaining, Water Stations for runners along the course set up for support, motivation and sun Fun!!
• Family-friendly (strollers welcome!) & Donation Opportunities
• Music By DJ Aura and Face Painting
• Food, refreshments, and an Ice-Cream Truck
• Finisher medals & event t-shirt included
Free Shirt: Community Sponsor-The Reserve on Third
Energy, Recovery and Health Eating Community Sponsor: PHX Energy Drink | Boom Nutrition | Better Blend
Event Schedule:
• 8:30 AM – Race day registration & bib pickup
• 9:30 AM – Race start (5K distance)
Location: Dayton, Island Park
Stay after for: Refreshments, Fellowship, Music, & Dancing!
Lace up, grab your water and your family/Friends and come out to be a part of a movement that celebrates health, unity, and the power of community.
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
87°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Dayton Mcd, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
136,741
as of 2023
Elevation
744 ft
Nearest Airport
DAY
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport · 11 mi
Major Hub
CVG
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport · 54 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at DWTC & MC Kids Compassion Firecracker 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
Coming Up
Up and Running Juniors
Less than a mile away
ORRRC Possum Creek 5k Trail Race
Less than a mile away
DAS 5K CHICKEN WALK/RUN
Less than a mile away
St. Leonard 5K and Fitness Walk in Honor of Veterans
Less than a mile 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)
DWTC & MC Kids Compassion Firecracker 5K
Jul 4, 2026