The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler
- Date
- July 4, 2026
- Distance
- The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2 Miler
From the Organizer
Ripley, WV is the home of America’s Largest Small-Town 4th of July Celebration. For 28 years, the Main Street Firecracker race has been a part of this celebration kicking off immediately before the Grand Parade.
This year we have rebranded to the Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler, to celebrate the life of the race’s founder and main supporter. For 25 years, Gene and his family have celebrated the runners in our community, volunteering hours and resources to make this fast, mostly flat 2-mile course along the city streets a centerpiece of our patriotic celebrations.
Overall male and female runners will receive trophies and a $100 cash prize. Top three finishers in each age bracket will receive medals. There will be special recognitions for the oldest and youngest runners, most patriotic, best dressed, and farthest travelled.
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
88°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
37%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ripley, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Ripley, WV
Population
3,066
as of 2023
Elevation
604 ft
Nearest Airport
CRW
Yeager Airport · 31 mi
Major Hub
CMH
John Glenn Columbus International Airport · 104 mi
Time Zone
Eastern 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 The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
- Race
- The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler
- Date
- July 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Ripley, WV
Dash for Diabetes 5k - June 13, 2026
5K
10 miles away
Firecracker 5K Run/Walk
5K
24 miles away
Almost Heaven 5K
5K
31 miles away
Ohio River Festival 5k
5K
10 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 Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler?
- The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler is a running race held in Ripley, West Virginia 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 Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Ripley, West Virginia at Calvary United Methodist Church, Ripley, WV. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler
Jul 4, 2026