MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Registration Opens for 10th Annual Coon Rapids Firecracker 5K and Kids Sparkler Dash

COON RAPIDS, MN (May 12, 2026) Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Coon Rapids Firecracker 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, as part of the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The race and related activities will take place at the Coon Rapids Ice Center and surrounding park areas, located at 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW. Organizers say the annual event has become a longstanding Independence Day tradition in Coon Rapids, drawing runners, walkers, families, and community members each year.

According to the official event schedule, late registration and race packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. on race day, followed by the Firecracker 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m., with the free Kids Sparkler Dash beginning at approximately 9:15 a.m. after the awards presentation.

Event organizers said the Kids Sparkler Dash is open to children ages 3 through 10. While participation is free, advance registration is required. Children participating in the dash will receive a commemorative medal, a “Bomb Pop” popsicle, and a swag bag that includes a coloring book and crayons.

The Firecracker 5K course will travel through residential streets and trail areas near the ice center. Organizers encourage early registration to secure reduced pricing and guarantee access to event merchandise and participant items.

Current registration pricing is structured in phases leading up to race day:

• Early Bird registration through April 30: $40
• Standard registration from May 1 through June 7: $45
• Late registration from June 8 through June 17: $50
• Last Call registration from June 18 through July 3: $55
• Race Day registration on July 4: $60

Organizers noted that T-shirts and race swag are not guaranteed for participants registering after June 17.

Registered 5K participants will receive an official unisex race T-shirt, finisher medal, commemorative sunglasses, and a swag bag. Registration also includes community vouchers for one complimentary beverage at the North Star Lion’s Beer Tent and three free games at the Firefighter Bingo Tent during the city’s Fourth of July festivities.

Participants may also pick up race materials in advance during a pre-race packet pickup scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Ice Center. Packet pickup includes race bibs, shirts, and participant bags.

The Firecracker 5K is one component of Coon Rapids’ broader Independence Day celebration, which annually includes community activities, entertainment, food vendors, bingo, carnival attractions, and fireworks. City officials have described the celebration as one of the community’s signature annual events.

Additional information, registration details, and course maps are available through the official race website at runcr.org.

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life.