Staunton's Firecracker 5K a great way to start your Fourth of July celebration
STAUNTON — Gayle Alderfer Fisher had given up running for almost 20 years. When she finally decided to take up the sport again, it was the Firecracker 5K at Gypsy Hill Park where she started. The event that kicks off the Happy Birthday America celebration in Staunton was her first race back.
"I love this race," Fisher said. "It has special meaning for me."
Registration is $30 and can be done online at runsignup.com or on the morning of the race. The registration tent can be found near the Kiwanis ball field concession stand, between the little league ball fields closer to the park's west entrance. The race, which begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, is sponsored by Staunton's Sole Focus Running and The News Leader. Profits benefit the Salvation Army.
The course is two-plus times around Gypsy Hill Park's 1.3 mile gently rolling loop.
"It’s a fun fast course with some shade, perfect for runners and walkers of all ages," Fisher said. "I love seeing parents and kids, small or grown, run it together, as Annika and I have done since 2018."
Fisher's daughter Annika runs for Goshen College in Indiana and is a graduate of Buffalo Gap High School. She was the top female finisher in the 2022 Firecracker 5K, while her mom was second in her age group, so it was a successful holiday run for both last year.
"It’s such a great way to begin the holiday," Fisher said. "Community members come out dressed in their red. white and blue to cheer on all the runners before the parade begins."
Early packet pick up can be done at Sole Focus at 210 N. Central Ave. in Staunton Monday from 4-6 p.m. Packet pick up the day of the race will happen at Gypsy Hill Park from 6:30-7:15 a.m.
Awards will be given to the top-three overall male and female finishers, and to the top winner in each age group: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-29, 30-36, 37-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 & over.
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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton's Firecracker 5K a great way to start your Fourth of July celebration
