Annual Firecracker 4K and 4-mile race steps off at 9 a.m. July 4

UNIVERSITY PARK — Start your day and the Central PA 4^th Fest celebration with a race — either the Firecracker 4K or the four-mile distance. The races begin at 9 a.m. on July 4 on the Penn State campus. 
The registration fees for the 4K are $15 for ages 5-18 and $25 for 19 and over. For the 4-mile the fees are $15 for 5-18 and $25 for 19 and above. There are four ways to register:

online at Central PA 4^thFest website; on race day at the registration tent in front of the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office on Curtin Road from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; complete a downloadable form found on 4thFest’s website and mail to: Central PA July 4^th Inc., 123 S. Allen St., State College, 16801; or submit in person at Rapid Transit Sports, 115 S. Allen St., State College, or Appalachian Outdoors at 123 S. Allen St., State College.

Only cash or personal checks may be used to register. Make checks payable to Central PA July 4^th, Inc. Preregistered folks may pick up their race packets from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Centre County/Penn State Visitors Center on the PSU campus, or on July 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the race event tent.

A digital timing system will be used to determine winners in various age categories. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, in each of nine age categories, as well as the top overall male and female for both distances.

The 18^th annual Firecracker races kick off the family celebration of our country’s independence.
Both races start near the Bryce Jordan Center on Curtin Road and this is the fourth year for the more challenging 4-mile race. Runners and walkers of all skill levels are welcome. All participants should pull out their most patriotic and colorful race apparel and come expecting to have a good time.

After the races, stay for the parade, music, rides, special events and kids’ activities. And, of course, don’t miss one of the “10 Best” fireworks displays in the nation, happening the evening of July 4 near Penn State’s Beaver Stadium.