MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Registration Open for Coon Rapids Firecracker 5K and Kids Events Ahead of July 4 Celebration

COON RAPIDS, MN. (April 27, 2026) Registration is open for the annual Firecracker 5K Run/Walk and Kids Sparkler Dash, part of the City of Coon Rapids’ Independence Day celebration.

The City of Coon Rapids confirmed the events will take place Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, located at 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW.

Event Schedule and Location

• Firecracker 5K Run/Walk: 8:00 a.m.
• Awards ceremony: 9:00 a.m.
• Kids Sparkler Dash (ages 3 to 10): 9:15 a.m.

The 5K is open to both runners and walkers and follows a course that includes city trails and surrounding streets, according to event organizers at Run CR.

Registration and Deadlines

Organizers have established tiered pricing deadlines:

• Early registration deadline: April 30 for lowest pricing
• Subsequent increases: May 1, June 8, and June 18
• Race-day registration: Available at a higher cost

Participants who register by June 7 are guaranteed race materials, which typically include a T-shirt, finisher medal, and other items while supplies last.

A pre-race packet pickup is scheduled for June 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Ice Center.

Registration is available through the official event site at runcr.org.

Kids Event

The Kids Sparkler Dash is a free event for children ages 3 to 10 and is scheduled following the 5K awards ceremony. Organizers say the event is designed as a short-distance run to encourage youth participation in the city’s Independence Day activities.

Fourth of July Celebration

The Firecracker 5K is part of a broader, multi-day Fourth of July celebration in Coon Rapids. The event is organized in partnership with the Coon Rapids North Star Lions Club, the Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation, and the Coon Rapids Fire Department Social Club.

Planned activities include:

• Parade: July 2 at 6:00 p.m., beginning at 111th Avenue and Mississippi Boulevard
• Festival activities: Carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and community events at the ice center grounds
• Fireworks: Evening display on July 4

Additional Information

Officials recommend early registration to secure lower pricing and guaranteed event materials. Updated race details, pricing, and course information are available through the City of Coon Rapids website and the event registration portal.

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