
From the Organizer
Friday, July 3, 2026
5:30 PM Race Start
Join us to Kick-off your 4th of July Weekend!
The 5K Run/Walk takes place on the scenic York County Heritage Rail Trail using a flat, out‑and‑back course. Participants will travel along the wide, well‑maintained rail‑trail surface to a clearly marked turnaround before heading back to the finish. With gentle grades and packed stone footing, the course is ideal for runners and walkers of all levels. Starting at the Seven Valleys trail access area heading south towards Hanover Junction and back.
Registration opens April 30, 2026 and closes race day at 4:30 PM
Register early! Race Fee increases June 15, 2026.
AGE DIVISIONS
Male and Female (8-10) (11-14) (15-19) (19-24) (25-29) (30-34) (35-39) (40-44) ( 45-49) (50-54) (55-59) (60 -64 ) (65-69) (70 & over)
AWARDS
Overall Male and Female Winner plus Male and Female Age Division 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
Runners registered by June 26, 2026 are guaranteed a moisture wicking race shirt.
Awards ceremony will follow the event at 7:00 PM.
RACE TIMING
Gun start (no starting mat): all runners begin with the same start time
Finish time: when the runner crosses the finish mat
Chip timed by Black Cat Timing
STROLLERS are permitted, but requested to stay to the right on the course for runners to pass safely.
RACE DAY PARKING
Parking is available at the Seven Valleys Parking Lot (Church St, Seven Valleys) and Seven Valleys Community Fire Company (35 Main St, Seven Valleys, PA 17360)
RACE CANCELLATION
If you cannot attend the race, please contact the Race Director. We will make arrangements for you to pick up your bib and race shirt. Unfortunately, we do not provide refunds or bib transfers.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please share your excitement for the race on social media and tag us @ROSESYMCACo. Join our Facebook Race Group to share photos, comments and questions. YorkYRaces. Use the following hashtags and we will repost your photos! #YMCAROSES #YFirecracker
PACKET PICKUP
Thursday, July 2, 2026, 3:00-7:00 PM
Little Creek Golf Course (Pavilion), 1657 PA-116, Spring Grove, PA 17362
Friday, July, 3, 2026 4:00-5:00 PM
Race day packet pickup is at the pavilion Seven Valleys rail trail access parking area
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
88°
Typical Low
62°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from York 3 Ssw Pump Stn, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
576 ft
Nearest Airport
MDT
Harrisburg International Airport · 23 mi
Major Hub
BWI
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport · 47 mi
Time Zone
Eastern 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 YMCA Firecracker 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at York, PA (24)
8 miles away
4th of July Shoe House Shuffle
8 miles away
Farm Fresh 5K, 10K, & Kids Fun Run
8 miles away
Ninja 5K, 10K, 13.1M at York, PA (32)
8 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)
YMCA Firecracker 5K
Jul 3, 2026