COLUMBIA FIRECRACKER 5K & 10K
July 4, 2026 | Columbia, MD | 8:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026
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THE RACE
Get ready to light up your Independence Day at the Columbia Firecracker 5K & 10K. Join us for a high-energy celebration of fitness, community, and freedom. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just out for a fun, festive run, this event is built for everyone.
Choose your distance:
5K – Fast, scenic, and perfect for beginners, families, and speedsters.
10K – A longer challenge for those ready to push the pace.
Both courses wind around the beautiful paths of Lake Elkhorn, offering smooth pavement, water views, and a safe, spectator-friendly atmosphere. It’s flat, scenic, and ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and levels.
RACE START LOCATION
9821 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046.
Small parking lot next to Uber Bagels.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Runners must be at least 10 years old to participate in the 10K.
Runners must be at least 7 years old to participate in the 5K.
Pets, baby joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official
wheeled vehicles are prohibited.
REGISTRATION
Registration Opens Friday, March 6, 2026. Registration fee includes soft cotton t-shirt and finisher medal.
5K
$40 - Mar 6 - Apr 3, 2026
$45 - Apr 4 - May 1, 2026
$55 - May 2 - Jun 5, 2026
$60 - Jun 6 - Jul 1, 2026
$65 - Jul 4, In Person*
10K
$45 - Mar 6 - Apr 3, 2026
$55 - Apr 4 - May 1, 2026
$60 - May 2 - Jun 5, 2026
$65 - Jun 6 - Jul 1, 2026
$70 - Jul 4, In Person*
Online registration closes Thursday, July 1, 2026.
*In person registration is available at the race on July 4, 2026.
Registration transfers are not permitted to other RIVAL race events. Race organizers reserve the right to close registration due to capacity limits. Race organizers reserve the right to delay or cancel event due to extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Pets, baby joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited.
RACE SWAG
Includes soft cotton t-shirt and finisher medal.
RACE INFO
VENUE
9821 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046.
Small parking lot next to Uber Bagels.
PARKING
Participants may park in the public parking spaces near the race venue. Use 9821 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046 to get to the race venue on race morning. The start/finish line is located at this address.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
7:00 AM – Packet Pick-Up opens
8:30 AM – Race Start - mass start
9:30 AM – 5K Awards (estimated)
10:00 AM – 10K Awards (estimated)
PACKET PICK UP
Registered participants are required to pick up their packet before the start of the race. You packet includes your race bib, timing chip, and t-shirt. Runners will need to show ID to pick up their packet.
If you're unable to attend packet pick-up, someone may pick up your packet on your behalf. He/she MUST have a copy of the participants photo ID and permission note signed by the participant. No exceptions. The easiest way to accomplish this is to have the participant send a photo of their ID and a photo of a hand written note to your phone. Present this image to staff at packet pick up.
Packet pick up will be on race morning only at the race venue, beginning at 7:00 AM - 9821 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046.
BIB TRANSFERS
Allowing a non-registered runner to use your bib is NOT PERMITTED.
RACE CATEGORY CHANGES
Prior to race weekend:
If you decide to switch from the 10K to the 5K (or vise versa), please let us know by email prior to race day. The deadline to switch your race category by email is Thursday, July 1. Please send an email to racedirector@ripitevents.com.
Prior to the start of the race:
Runners may elect to switch from the 10K to the 5K (or vice versa), at packet pick up on race morning. Please let us know when you pick up your race bib.
Switching during the race:
For 10K runners - If during the race, you decided not to complete both loops of the 10k course, you will be removed from the race results (marked as DQ) and will not be eligible for awards. All runners will still receive a finisher medal.
RUN COURSE
To view the course map, click HERE.
WATER STATIONS
There will be two water stations on the run course, one at mile 1 and one at mile 2.5.
BATHROOMS
Porta-potties will be stationed near the start/finish line. There are no bathrooms on the run course.
PARTICIPANT SHIRT, FINISHER MEDAL, & BEER!
Register by June 1 to be guaranteed a shirt. We will purchase extra participant shirts to anticipate final registration numbers. Participants who register after June 1 can pick up their shirt after they cross the finish line (while supplies last). Shirt size exchange can be completed at the conclusion of the race. ALL participants will receive a finisher medal at the finish line.
TIMING & RESULTS
This race will be using bib tag timing. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back side of your bib number. Please do not remove your timing chip. Results will be posted directly online in real time. Finishers can use their smart phone to access their individual results by viewing the RESULTS webpage at the conclusion of their race.
AWARDS
Awards will be given to the following categories for both the 5K and 10K.
Overall Male - Top 3
Overall Female - Top 3
Overall Non-Binary - Top 3
Age Group - Top 3 (male & female) 7-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39,
40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89
Participants must accept their award in-person at the conclusion of the race.
Awards will NOT be mailed to participants. Friends of runners may accept an award on your behalf.
DEFER YOUR 2026 REGISTRATION
If you are registered and can not participate in this race, you have two options.
-
Defer you entry to the 2027 race. To view the defer policy, click HERE. There is a $20 fee to defer your entry to 2027. The deadline to submit a defer request is Saturday, July 3 by end of day.
-
Donate your race entry to help fund future races.
CONTACT
We look forward to see you on race morning!
Please send any questions/concerns to racedirector@ripitevents.com.