28th Annual Firecracker 5k

Sat, Jul 4, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT

Location: Mc Leansboro, IL; 450 E Hull St, 62859
Type: RUN

Official registration Past results (if available)

At a glance

A festive July 4th 5k run/walk supporting local cross country, featuring a fast course and competitive awards for all ages.

Fun
Competitive
Festive
For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners, runners who like a competitive edge

Celebrate Independence Day with the 28th Annual Firecracker 5k in Mc Leansboro, IL. This event offers a 3.1-mile run or walk on a mostly flat, paved course, with two moderate hills to add a challenge. Younger runners can join the ½ Mile Kid's Fun Run. Your participation supports the Hamilton County Cross Country Team. Expect a spirited atmosphere with awards for top finishers across various age groups, including special prizes for course record-breakers.

What to expect

Run or walk a 3.1-mile paved course, mostly flat with two moderate hills.
A ½ mile fun run is available for kids 10 and under, with finisher's awards.
Awards are given for age groups, overall top finishers, and record-breakers. A race t-shirt is included.

Standout details

July 4th celebration
Benefits local XC team
Prizes for record-breakers
Kids' ½ Mile Fun Run

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

5 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

0.5 Miles
Sat, Jul 4, 9:10 AM CDT · From $17.72
Opens Jun 29, 2025, 5:35 AM CDT · Closes Jul 3, 2026, 2:30 PM CDT
3.1 Miles
Sat, Jul 4, 8:00 AM CDT · From $28.42
Opens Jun 29, 2025, 5:35 AM CDT · Closes Jun 18, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
3.1 Miles
Sat, Jul 4, 8:01 AM CDT · From $28.42
Opens Jun 29, 2025, 5:35 AM CDT · Closes Jun 18, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT

+ 2 more options

3.1 Miles
Sat, Jul 4, 12:00 AM CDT · From $23.07
Opens Jul 13, 2025, 12:43 PM CDT · Closes Jul 4, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
T-Shirt Only
Sat, Jul 4, 8:00 AM CDT · From $17.72
Opens Jun 29, 2025, 5:35 AM CDT · Closes Jul 3, 2026, 2:30 PM CDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Road course

Partial data — terrain or weather signals missing.

The course

From the organizer

28th ANNUAL FIRECRACKER 5K RUN / WALK & ½ MILE KID'S FUN RUN 8:00 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 4th, 2026 (RAIN OR SHINE)

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE HAMILTON COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY TEAM https://www.hamcocc.com/firecracker-5k

TIME: 8:00 A.M. – 5K RUN 8:01 A.M. – 5K WALK 9:15 A.M. – ½ Mile KID’S FUN RUN

PACKET PICK UP: 7:00 A.M. TILL 7:45 A.M. ON SATURDAY, JULY 4th, 2026 at Race Site

REGISTRATION: (fee includes T-Shirt*) $25 – 5K POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE JUNE 20th $30 – 5K POSTMARKED AFTER JUNE 20th or DAY OF THE RACE. $15 – KID’S FUN RUN – REGISTRATION OPEN TILL 8:45 A.M. DAY OF THE RACE Pre-registered River to River Runner’s Club Members Receive a $5.00 discount (Must register on Runsignup.com or by mail to receive a discount).

LOCATION: (BEHIND HAMILTON COUNTY EAST SIDE SCHOOL) EAST HULL STREET, RACE STARTS AND FINISHES IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA.

COURSE: VERY FLAT (EXCEPT FOR 2 MODERATELY HARD HILLS), FAST, ALL ASPHALT COURSE.

AWARDS:

AWARDS TO THE TOP THREE RUNNERS, MALE AND FEMALE, IN EACH AGE GROUP: 9 & UNDER 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65 & OVER

OVERALL AWARDS TO THE TOP TWO MALES AND FEMALES: $50 PRIZE FOR RECORD-BREAKERS IN THE 5K RUN/WALK (MEN / WOMEN)

THE TOP 3 WALKERS WILL RECEIVE AWARDS (MALE / FEMALE) & 1ST PLACE IN TEN-YEAR AGE GROUPS

KID’S ½ MILE FUN RUN (AGES 10 & UNDER): EACH FINISHER RECEIVES A FINISHER’S AWARD

WALK RECORDS

Tom Champion - 31:01.1 (2021)

Shirley Fearheiley - 31:58 (2015)

RUN RECORDS

Kate Bushue - 17:51.0 (2021)

Dylon Nalley - 15:09.23 (2024)

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