The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler
Sat, Jul 4, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT
- Location
- Ripley, WV
- Calvary United Methodist Church, 205 N Ct St, 25271
- Featured distance
- 2 Miles
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Double-check key detailsA fast, festive 2-miler honoring a founder, kicking off Ripley's grand 4th of July parade with prizes and patriotic fun.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveGreat for: casual, fun-first runners, runners who like a competitive edge
The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler is a cherished part of Ripley, WV's renowned 4th of July Celebration. This fast, mostly flat 2-mile course winds through city streets, honoring the race's founder, Gene Groves. Runners can enjoy a patriotic atmosphere, vie for cash prizes and age-group medals, and participate in special recognitions for unique achievements like best dressed or farthest traveled. It's a community event that kicks off the Grand Parade, blending competitive spirit with festive fun.
What to expect
- * Run a fast, mostly flat 2-mile course on city streets.
- * Compete for $100 cash prizes and age-group medals.
- * Enjoy a festive, patriotic atmosphere with special recognitions.
Standout details
- Part of America’s Largest Small-Town 4th of July Celebration
- Kicks off immediately before the Grand Parade
- $100 cash prize for overall male and female
- Special recognitions for most patriotic, best dressed
Perks & features
- Awards
AwardsFrom the public listing — confirm on the official site.
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Vibe Check
Easygoing
EasygoingRoad course
Partial data — terrain or weather signals missing.
The course
- Road
- Timed race
From the organizer
Ripley, WV is the home of America’s Largest Small-Town 4th of July Celebration. For 28 years, the Main Street Firecracker race has been a part of this celebration kicking off immediately before the Grand Parade.
This year we have rebranded to the Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler, to celebrate the life of the race’s founder and main supporter. For 25 years, Gene and his family have celebrated the runners in our community, volunteering hours and resources to make this fast, mostly flat 2-mile course along the city streets a centerpiece of our patriotic celebrations.
Overall male and female runners will receive trophies and a $100 cash prize. Top three finishers in each age bracket will receive medals. There will be special recognitions for the oldest and youngest runners, most patriotic, best dressed, and farthest travelled.
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