pre-race

When is pre‐race packet pick‐up?
Avoid the crowds and take advantage of pre‐race packet pick‐up on Sunday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What time does packet pick‐up start on July 4?
Packet pick‐up starts at 6:15 a.m. on Monday, July 4 at Excelsior Elementary School.

Where is Excelsior Elementary School?
On the corner of MN Highway #7 and Hennepin County #19 in Excelsior. 441 Oak Street, Excelsior, MN 55331

Parking?
Parking will be available at Excelsior Elementary. Parking is also available in downtown Excelsior in either of the two city parking lots that are located north and south of Water St. You can also carpool in with friends or family by parking some of your vehicles at Minnetonka Middle School West (6421 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior), located a half mile south of Highway 7 on 41.

When do the runs begin? 
All runs begin at Excelsior Elementary.

• 1-mile run begins at 7:30 a.m. Please be at the start line by 7:15 a.m. for announcements.
• 5K run begins at 7:40 a.m. Please be at the start line by 7:25 a.m. for announcements.
• 10k run begins at 7:50 a.m. Please be at the start line by 7:25 a.m. for announcements.

What are the age groups for awards? 

5K Age Divisions	10K Age Divisions
11 and under	19 and under
12-15	20-29
16-19	30-39
20-29	40-49
30-39	50-59
40-49	60-69
50-59	70 and over
60-69
70 and over

 

Overall Awards
1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place awards are given to the top male and female finishers overall and in each age group.

Awards Presentation will be at 9:00 a.m. in the Band Shell for just the overall male and female winners from the 1-Mile, 5K and 10K. (Age Group awards will be mailed to winners).

What do I do if I want to switch my race?
Before July 2 – Call (952) 401-6800 to make a change.
To change your race event on July 3 or 4 find the Headquarters table at Excelsior Elementary, ask for Zach.

Is there a place for my personal belongings during the race?
Runners can leave their items in the Excelsior Elementary gym unsupervised at their own risk; the building closes and will be locked at 9:30 a.m. Any items not picked up on July 4 by 9:30 a.m. will be brought to the Minnetonka Community Education Center (4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior) and can be picked up after July 5.

I want to run with my child in the 1 Mile, but compete in the 5K/10K, can I do that?  Do I also have to register for the 1 Mile?
If you are registered for the 5K or 10K and want to run with your child for a short while in the 1 Mile you can. If you are not registered for the 5K or 10K and want to run with your child in the 1 Mile, you must register for that event as well. Parents running with their child in the 1 Mile need to be respectful of other runners who may be running for a competitive time.

Wheelchair racer information:
1 Mile Wheelers will start @ 7:29 a.m.
5K and 10K Wheelers will start @ 7:39 a.m.

Where can I find my results after the race?
Look for the 2022 Results link after the race on www.excelsiorfirecrackerrun.com.

ROUTES

Is the route closed to traffic?
Only Water St. and 2^nd St. are closed to traffic. The rest of the course is shared by runners and motorists. Numerous volunteers and police department staff will be on the route to help keep everyone safe and direct motorists. There are coned lanes to run in from time to time that are just for runners.

Will there be water stops along the routes?
Yes. There will be water stops along all of the route. All will have water, some will have other refreshments, and most have music! 

2021 5K Water Stops (3):

• Excelsior Blvd across from Maynard’s (2 - out and back)
• Old Log Theater

2021 10K Water Stops (4):

• Excelsior Blvd across from Maynard’s (2 - out and back)
• Cottagewood Road (water stop only)
• Manor Park

Are there bathrooms along the route?
Yes. At the start, the finish and at Manor Park (10K).

Are running strollers and baby strollers allowed in the Firecracker run?
Of course. The more the better. Runners can run with a stroller if, and only if, they start at the back of the 5K or 10K Run. Runners with strollers cannot compete and they must stay to the back of the entire group no matter if you are a 5K or a 10K runner.

Are dogs allowed in the race?
No. Dogs and other animals are not permitted to take part in the Firecracker.

Can my family and friends stand along the route and cheer me on?
Yes, and we encourage them to do so! Volunteers along the route are needed, please contact Josh Benesh or (952) 401-6834 for more information.

post race

What can we do after the race is over?
The Firecracker Run kicks off a daylong Fourth of July Celebration in Excelsior. The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce organizes this great celebration. The celebration is capped by an awe-inspiring fireworks show over Lake Minnetonka. 30% of all the Firecracker registration fees directly support the fireworks. Visit the chamber’s website for a full schedule of the day’s events.

Registration

Weather/Cancellation Policy:
The Firecracker Run reserves the right to delay the start of the event or to cancel the event. The safety of all participants is our primary concern. While we recognize the aspirations and commitment of those who have prepared for the race, we will make decisions about the race based on safety and the participation population as a whole. Conversations that could lead to the cancellation of the event will be made in cooperation with local law enforcement. In the event of a forced cancellation of the Firecracker Run, the financial impact on the event would be the same as if it were held. Refunds or future credits will not be given if the Firecracker event is cancelled.

Any other questions?

Call (952) 401‐6800.

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Thank you 2022 Firecracker Sponsors