FIRECRACKER 4K
- Date
- July 4, 2026
- Distance
- FIRECRACKER 4K
From the Organizer
2026 FIRECRACKER 4K
Our 22nd annual Firecracker 4K run/walk kicks off the Central Pa 4thFest's
July 4th celebration. Last year 870 runners/walkers kicked off our annual
celebration of America's birthday. Thanks for making it such a big success!
*This year is extra special as we all celebrate America's 250th!*
This year's race will once again be run on the beautiful Penn State main
campus starting near Beaver Stadium located on the east side of campus.
Don your most patriotic apparel and join in the fun. Following the race return
later in the day with your friends and family to enjoy another amazing Central
Pa 4thFest fireworks show!!
Where/When: Saturday, July 4th @ 9 a.m.
NOTE: Day of race registration is available from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on the mezzanine inside the PSU Medlar Field Baseball Stadium located on the east side of the PSU main campus.
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY! - use your smartphone, tablet or computer to register.
T-shirt: 2026 Firecracker 4K race T-shirts are guaranteed to all race registrants registered during
the early signup periods (ends June 25th).
(Tech style shirt available in both Youth (Y) and Adult (A) sizes: Y-S, Y-M, Y-L, A-S, A-M, A-L, A-XL,
A-XXL, A-XXXL)
AWARDS:
* Overall: Top male (1) and Female (1)
Top 3 (M&F) each age category: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
* Post race refreshments will be provided. Race route will have a water station mid-route.
* All proceeds from the race go to supporting all 4thFest activities
* Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.
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
81°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from State College, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About University Park, PA
Population
40,669
as of 2023
Elevation
1,181 ft
Nearest Airport
SCE
State College Regional Airport · 4 mi
Major Hub
PIT
Pittsburgh International Airport · 126 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at FIRECRACKER 4K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
- Race
- FIRECRACKER 4K
- Date
- July 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near University Park, PA
Neptune Fire Company 5K
5K
22 miles away
20th Annual NVRC/Herbie's Home "Town Loop" (HHL) 4 Mile Run/Walk
8 miles away
Fall Feet 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
Adam Zook Memorial Run
22 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 FIRECRACKER 4K?
- FIRECRACKER 4K is a running race held in University Park, Pennsylvania 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 FIRECRACKER 4K?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in University Park, Pennsylvania at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park - Penn State Main Campus, University Park, PA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the FIRECRACKER 4K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
FIRECRACKER 4K
Jul 4, 2026