What: The Genesis Firecracker Run
When: Monday, July 4 (times vary depending on the race)
Where: Downtown East Moline
The fun and passion will return to the streets of East Moline on July 4 with the Genesis Firecracker Run.
Back On Track
The race returned to its former glory last year when Joe Moreno, who led the race for 12 years from 1990-2001, returned as race director and Genesis stepped up as the title sponsor. The run had always been a highlight of the regional racing schedule, however, participation had decreased in recent years.
“Last year was tremendous with 2,300 participants — almost 1,000 more runners than the previous year,” said Moreno. “We brought the fun and passion back to the Firecracker Run, and it will only get better this year.”
This year, there will be an emphasis on “creating a family environment,” he said.
“We have vendors coming who will be great for families; more things for kids to do; and, our postrace party will be even more family-oriented,” Moreno added.
Traditions Continue
The Firecracker 5K and 10K races will start at 7:30 a.m. at 8th Street and 15th Avenue. There will be musical entertainment along the course; electronic chip timing for near instantaneous results; special tech shirts in men and women’s sizes for race participants; and, trophies to the top finishers in each division. Special awards will go to the first men’s and women’s finishers from East Moline.
There also will be a Kiddie Run — 8 years and under — at 8:45 a.m., and The National Bank Mile run/walk at 9:15 a.m. In addition, there will be a Guns ‘N Hoses 5K challenge for teams of current or retired firefighters and police from area departments.
Back this year will be hospital bed races, the cannon blast, and the popular pancake breakfast hosted by the East Moline Fire Department. The pancake breakfast will be from 7-11 a.m. July 4 at the American Legion Post on 16th Avenue, just a half block from the start/finish line. The event will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
For more information, go to www.firecrackerrun.com or call (309) 751-9800.
Race Details:
Times:
- 5K 7:30 am
- 10k 7:30 am
- 1-mile 9:15 am
- Kiddie Run 8:45 am
- Family 7:30 am
Admission and Registration:
- Spectators: Free
- 5k at 7:30 AM
- $20.00 early registration (through 6/17 at 11:59 PM)
- 25.00 registration (6/17 at 11:59 PM through 7/1 at 11:59 PM)
- 10k at 7:30 AM
- $20.00 early registration (through 6/17 at 11:59 PM)
- $25.00 registration (6/17 at 11:59 PM through 7/1 at 11:59 PM)
- 1-Mile Run at 9:15 AM
- $14.00 early registration (through 6/17 at 11:59 PM)
- $16.00 registration (6/17 at 11:59 PM through 7/1 at 11:59 PM)
- Kiddie Run at 8:45 AM
- $14.00 early registration (through 6/17 at 11:59 PM)
- $16.00 registration (6/17 at 11:59 PM through 7/1 at 11:59 PM)
- Family (5 entries) at 7:30 AM
- $85.00 early registration (through 6/17 at 11:59 PM)
- $100.00 registration (6/17 at 11:59 PM through 7/1 at 11:59 PM)
- Online Registration
Starting Line:
834 15th Avenue
East Moline, IL
Packet Pickup:
- July 2nd – 2:00 – 6:00 P.M.
- July 3rd – Noon – 6:00 P.M.
Location for Packet Pickup:
American Legion Post 227
829 16th Avenue
East Moline, IL 61244
