The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV

Date
July 4, 2026
Location
Ripley, WV
Venue
Calvary United Methodist Church
Start Time
11:30 AM
Entry Fee
$30.00
Events
The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2 Miler
Includes
Shirt
View Registration

The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler takes place on July 4th in Ripley, West Virginia, starting at 11:30 AM from Calvary United Methodist Church. This 2-mile running event offers a straightforward distance for runners looking for a holiday race option. Entry is $30. The Fourth of July timing makes this a natural fit for athletes planning holiday travel to West Virginia, though you'll want to book accommodations early given the date's popularity. The church venue provides a clear meeting point for participants. Check with the race organizers directly for course specifics, aid station locations, and any logistics details not listed here to plan your trip effectively.

From the Race Organizer
Ripley, WV is the home of America’s Largest Small-Town 4th of July Celebration. For 28 years, the Main Street Firecracker race has been a part of this celebration kicking off immediately before the Grand Parade. This year we have rebranded to the Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler, to celebrate the life of the race’s founder and main supporter. For 25 years, Gene and his family have celebrated the runners in our community, volunteering hours and resources to make this fast, mostly flat 2-mile course along the city streets a centerpiece of our patriotic celebrations. Overall male and female runners will receive trophies and a $100 cash prize. Top three finishers in each age bracket will receive medals. There will be special recognitions for the oldest and youngest runners, most patriotic, best dressed, and farthest travelled.

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Ripley, WV. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for July 4.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Ripley, WV. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

More Races

Browse all upcoming races in West Virginia →

Other upcoming races in West Virginia

John Cox Memorial 5k Run 2026 — Athens, WVAthens, WVJul 25, 2026From $$20.00
Find Hotels →
Meeks Mountain Milestones: A Community Celebration 2026 — Hurricane, WVHurricane, WVJul 25, 2026From $$0.00
Find Hotels →
3 Bridges 5K Run & Walk 2026 — Grafton, WVGrafton, WVJul 25, 2026From $$30.00
Find Hotels →
Henderson Hall Kid’s Hoedown 2026 — Williamstown, WVWilliamstown, WVJul 25, 2026From $$0.00
Find Hotels →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV?

The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV takes place on July 4, 2026. The race is held in Ripley, West Virginia.

Where is The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV held?

The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV is held at Calvary United Methodist Church in Ripley, West Virginia.

Where can I find hotels near The Gene Groves Memorial Firecracker 2-miler 2026 — Ripley, WV?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Ripley. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.