FAQs
Below are answers to some questions you may have about the Santa Cruz Firecracker 10K.
1. What’s the Rotary connection?
2. How difficult is this race?
3. How many runners do you expect?
4. How do I register?
5. What else do I get for my registration fee?
6. What happens on race day?
7. Can my kid(s) run the 1K without me running the 10K?
8. Is there childcare for my kid(s) while I’m running the 10K?
9. What are the awards?
10. Are there awards for the Kid’s 1K?
11. Is there a cancellation policy?
12. How do I get there?
13. How early should I arrive?
14. What the situation with parking?
15. What kind of weather can I expect?
16. Will the race be cancelled if the weather is bad?
17. Are you affiliated with the Wharf to Wharf or Sentinel Triathlon?
18. What else is there to do in Santa Cruz?
19. I want to spend the night. Can you recommend a place to stay?
1. What’s the Rotary connection?
From 1985 through 2003 the Firecracker 10K was hosted by the City of Santa Cruz.
When budget cuts threatened the race in 2004, the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary club stepped in and took over the tradition. The event is now completely run by Rotary. Proceeds of the event are used to fund charitable activities.
2. How difficult is this race?
The Firecracker is hilly and includes both road and trail sections. It definitely provides a challenging romp for the experienced athlete. But, it's also well marked, maintained and supported for even the most casual runner. The incomparable views of Santa Cruz and the entire Monterey Bay from the top of "the hill" alone make this race worthwhile.
3. How many runners do you expect?
This year we expect in excess of 500 runners for the 10K.
4. How do I register?
Registration is easy and fast. You can register online
up until 5:00pm on July 2nd. For race-day and other registration options visit the registration
page.
5. What else do I get for my registration fee?
A legendary pancake breakfast put on by Santa Cruz Pop Warner, a free massage, a race t-shirt (first 500 runners) and prizes for top finishers.
6. What happens on race day?
Registration opens at 7:00am for race-day registration. Kids 1K starts at 8:00am and the main event is at 8:30am
7. Can my kid(s) run the 1K without me running the 10K?
Absolutely!
8. Is there childcare for my kid(s) while I’m running the 10K?
Sorry, we do not provide childcare during the 10k. Bring a friend or family member to enjoy the festivities and to keep an eye on junior while you run the big race. Additional breakfast tickets can be purchased for non-runners.
9. What are the awards?
A Mizuno prize and award is given for the 1st through 5th place finishers in each 5-year category. A certificate for a pair of shoes provided by Central Coast Running will be givent to the first overall male and female, overall age-graded winner and first school-age boy and girl.
10. Are there awards for the Kid’s 1K?
You bet. Every kid that finishes the Kid's 1K receives a Mizuno backpack!
11. Is there a cancellation policy?
Sorry, no refunds.
12. How do I get there?
The run begins and ends at
Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
From San Jose, take Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz: Follow the signs to Hwy 1 North. Turn RIGHT at River Street (the first stop light)...
From points south on Hwy 1 (e.g., Monterey), take Hwy 1 north to Santa Cruz. Stay on 1 North around the "fish hook". Turn RIGHT at River Street (the first stop light)...
From points north on Hwy 1 (e.g., San Francisco), continue on HWY 1 South through the west side of Santa Cruz. Turn LEFT at River Street (Hot Springs Spa store will be on your right)...
Once on River Street, follow the signs to the Firecracker 10K.
13. How early should I arrive?
7:00am if you haven't pre-registered. Otherwise, plan to give yourself plenty of time to park, stretch and prepare for the race.
14. What the situation with parking?
Ample parking is available at Harvey West Park and along the streets in the HWP area.
15. What kind of weather can I expect?
You just can't beat the weather in Santa Cruz on the 4th of July! Look for temperatures ranging from lows in the mid-50's to highs in the 70's and 80's. Occasionally, there will be early morning fog on the coast but it usually doesn't make it as far inland as Harvey West Park and should burn off by late morning. The cool mornings make for perfect running conditions.
Here's the current weather. Click below to explore current and typical weather in Santa Cruz.
16. Will the race be cancelled if the weather is bad?
No. Rain, shine or fog... we run!
17. Are you affiliated with the Wharf to Wharf or Sentinel Triathlon?
The Firecracker10K and Kid's 1K is an benefit event hosted by the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club. Although members of the FC10K organizing committee are also active members and participants of the W2W and Sentinel Triathlon committees, it is an entirely independent race.
18. What else is there to do in Santa Cruz?
Here are just a few suggestions for things to do in Santa Cruz:
- Go to the Beach Boardwalk. Ride the roller coaster and eat dippin dots. (www.BeachBoardwalk.com)
- Visit Roaring Camp and ride the narrow gauge steam train through the redwoods. (www.RoaringCamp.com)
- Check out the Mystery Spot. (www.MysterySpot.com)
- Visit Seabright Beach.
- Take a walk along West Cliff and watch the surfers. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point.
- Take a stroll down Pacific Avenue for some unique shopping, then take in a movie at one of several downtown movie theaters.
- Picnic in the Forest of Niscene State Park, Henry Cowell or Big Basin. (www.SantaCruzStateParks.org)
- Drive north to Davenport and do some whale watching.
- Attend a Cabrillo Stage Performance. (www.CabrilloStage.com)
- Check out the Aptos 4th of July Parade.
- Play a round of golf at De Laveaga or Pasatiempo.
19. I want to spend the night. Can you recommend a place to stay?
There are many fine places to stay in Santa Cruz with camping, B&B's and many nice hotels available. Obviously, the 4th is a busy weekend so make your reservations early. The Visitors and Convention Bureau is a good resource. www.SantaCruzCA.org 1-800-833-3494.
