The Firecracker 5K takes place on July 4, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama, at 15001 Bailey Cove Rd, with races starting at 7:00 AM. The event offers a 5K distance for runners looking to compete on Independence Day morning. Entry fees range from $20 to $40. This early start time makes it possible to finish racing before the heat of the day sets in, then enjoy holiday activities afterward. If you're traveling to Huntsville for this race, you'll want accommodation within easy reach of Bailey Cove Rd for a quick, stress-free morning commute to the start line.
From the Race Organizer
Firecracker 5K & 1 Mile 2026 Race Day Instructions We are thrilled to welcome you to the Morningside Baptist Church Firecracker 5K & 1 Mile! As far as we know, this is Huntsville's oldest 4th of July race, and we're honored to continue this great tradition. We've made several exciting improvements this year, and we think you're going to love them! With registration nearly double last year's race, please plan ahead—especially for packet pick-up, parking, and arriving early on race morning. 🚨 SOLD OUT! The race is officially SOLD OUT! There are NO refunds, transfers, swaps, or bib exchanges. 🎉 One Last Chance! We will release ONLY 30 additional entries beginning: Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Fleet Feet Huntsville 2722 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL These entries will be available first come, first served and are expected to sell out quickly. Once these 30 spots are gone, registration will officially close. 📦 Packet Pick-Up Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fleet Feet Huntsville 2722 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL Friday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fleet Feet Huntsville Race Morning 6:00 a.m. – 6:45 a.m. Morningside Baptist Church 15001 Bailey Cove Road Huntsville, AL 35803 Please do not wait until race morning to pick up your packet if possible. Race morning will be very busy, and picking up early will make your experience much smoother. 👕 Race Shirts Participants will receive either a: Black CRAFT Performance Tank White & Red CRAFT Short Sleeve Shirt Shirts are gender-specific and first come, first choice. Please pick up the size and style you ordered. If you need a different size or style, we'll gladly exchange shirts after the race, if inventory allows. Last year many participants requested short sleeves, so we added that option this year. Thank you for your understanding—and yes, it's a CRAFT shirt. We think you'll love it! 🚗 Parking With registration nearly double last year's race, we ask everyone to arrive early and help us keep race morning running smoothly by using our designated parking areas. 🅿️ Preferred Parking – Southside Park 16159 Chaney Thompson Road Huntsville, AL 35803 This is our recommended parking location. Southside Park has plenty of parking, restrooms, and easy access to the Greenway. From the park, it's just an easy ½-mile walk or jog to Morningside Baptist Church and the race start. 🅿️ Additional Parking – McGucken Park 13020 Bailey Cove Rd SE Huntsville, AL 35803 If Southside Park fills up, additional parking is available at McGucken Park. Please note it is approximately 1.2 miles from Morningside Baptist Church, so allow extra time if you choose to park there. ⛪ Church Parking (Last Resort) Parking at Morningside Baptist Church is very limited and should be used only as a last resort. We will be parking vehicles in designated grass areas. Please park only where directed, do not block other vehicles, and follow the instructions of our parking volunteers. 🚗 Parking signs will be posted throughout the area. Please follow the signs and directions from our volunteers to the appropriate parking locations. Thank you for helping us accommodate a record number of runners this year! 👶 Child Care Complimentary child care is provided by Morningside Baptist Church. Please arrive early to get your child checked into the nursery before the race begins. 🚻 Restrooms Restrooms will be available inside Morningside Baptist Church throughout the event. In addition, portable restrooms (Porta-Johns) will be located outside near the start/finish area for your convenience. Please allow yourself enough time before the race, as lines may be longer than usual with our record number of participants. 🏃 5K Race Information Start Time 7:00 a.m. NEW FOR 2026! The 5K Start and Finish are now on the Greenway! Instead of starting in the church parking lot, you'll enjoy an even flatter and faster USATF-certified course. The course is an out-and-back on the Greenway with the finish at Morningside Baptist Church. There will be one aid station at the turnaround. Course Instructions Please run on the RIGHT side of the Greenway at all times. Line up according to your expected pace. Faster runners should line up near the front. Parents, please encourage younger runners to line up behind the faster runners for everyone's safety. The course is clearly marked with volunteers, cones, and directional arrows. You can't get off course! All 5K finishers will receive a custom 2026 finisher medal. 🏃 One Mile Race The One Mile is a USATF-certified , flat and fast course. The race begins approximately one mile from the 5K start and finishes at the same location as the 5K. Many runners enjoy using the walk or jog to the start as their warm-up. Families If you have younger children participating in the One Mile, you may drive to Ditto Landing and park closer to the start. Please refer to the race website or ask during packet pick-up for directions. All One Mile finishers will receive a special commemorative 2026 finisher ribbon. 🌭 Finish Line
