Adirondack Sports June 2024

RUNNING & WALKING
JUNE 2024 13
◀ BROADWAY START
OF FIRECRACKER 4.
▲ 2023 FIRECRACKER 4.
ED BURKE
Summertime
and the Livin’ Is Easy
By Laura Clark
Many of our favorite summer activities are all
within an easy radius of Saratoga Springs. And
now that we have made it through the Belmont
Stakes weekend, we can concentrate on our own local
events with Saratoga hosting two of the area’s largest July
running attractions: Firecracker 4 and Silks & Satins 5K
road races, both produced by the experienced FC4 Events
team.
The 18th annual Firecracker 4 always occurs on the
same date, July 4, so this year it’s on a Thursday. And what
better place to celebrate our nation’s birthday than in
Saratoga Springs, a few miles from the Saratoga Battlefield,
the turning point of the Revolutionary War. This race
serves as the opener for citywide festivities stretching
throughout the day and culminating in a breathtaking
fireworks display.
Firecracker 4 was conceived in 2006 by Peter Goutos
and Bob Vanderminden as a fundraiser for the award-winning
Saratoga Springs High School running teams and the
Kinetic Running Club. Now ranked as the longest-running
and largest 4th of July race in the Northeast, it fields an
average of 2,000+ runners, which is a huge increase from
the 200 runners in the inaugural event. During the Covid-
19 pandemic, it boasted a strong virtual presence. In fact,
one of my favorite memories was my virtual Firecracker
trail run on the four-mile Saratoga Battlefield route, where
I met several individuals who also chose to trace the footsteps
of our revolutionary soldiers.
Anticipation mounts in June with the Fleet Feet and
ASICS sponsored twice-weekly Lead-Up Series. On
Saturday, June 15, 9am: Speed session at the Saratoga HS
Track. Post-workout at Thorn + Roots for breakfast. On
Thursday, June 20, 6pm at The Thirsty Owl: FC4 course prep
and Congress Park workout. ASICS will attend with swag
and shoes to demo. On Saturday, June 22, 9am: Speed session
at Saratoga HS Track. ASICS will be there with swag,
raffles and shoes to demo. Enjoy coffee/bagels courtesy
of Fleet Feet. On Thursday, June 27, 6pm at 9 Miles East:
FC4 hill workout. Enjoy a post-workout beverage courtesy
of 9 Miles East – stay or takeout dinner. On Saturday,
June 29, 9am: Speed session at Saratoga HS Track. Postworkout
at Wheatfields for series-end traditional patio
breakfast. Attend these sessions and you’ll make plenty of
new friends with which to toe the starting line!
Race day traditionally begins at 8:15am with a Sparkler
Kids Fun Run, launching from Olde Bryan Inn and covering
0.2-mile down Maple Avenue to the FC4 finish line.
Open to all ages and mobility-device friendly, the cost is
$5 (register in advance). At the end, children get a race
medal and enjoy a Kids’ Zone with activities and giveaways.
The Sparkler Run is hosted by Building on Love,
which provides financial stability for families facing mental
illness difficulties.
The main Firecracker 4 event launches from Broadway
in front of the Saratoga City Center, shortly before 9am
with a heartfelt rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner,
propelling runners down Broadway, then through older
residential areas, with people cheering of all ages lining
the streets – prepared with sprinklers and hoses. Consider
the route a four-mile version of those Rock ‘n’ Roll marathons,
with musicians, bands and boom boxes quickening
your step.
For this journey is not an easy flat-and-fast giveaway,
but requires effort, especially during an unshaded uphill
before enjoying a gradual downhill finish. Look up and
you’ll be inspired by the sight of the Saratoga hook and
ladder fire engine, proudly masting a giant American flag.
Cash prizes are awarded to the top three male and female
overall, masters and age-graded winners, and to the largest
Run Your Colors and High School Alumni teams.
▲ 2023 CLIFTON PARK
FREEDOM MILE.
DARRYL CARON
This year, Firecracker 4 has been chosen as a USATF-
Adirondack Grand Prix Race, so expect even more topnotch
competition.
A joyful community atmosphere pervades, with former
residents and students returning every year to celebrate
with their family and friends. FC4 Events support community
athletics, trail development and veterans programs.
To register, visit: zippyreg.com. If you register for the
Firecracker4 and Silks & Satins 5K combo, you save $10.
If you are up for a shorter, less-crowded jaunt, run or
walk Clifton Park Freedom Mile on July 4th at 11:30am,
with proceeds to the Shen Track Booster Club. This family-friendly
event starts at the Shenendehowa Central
Schools main entrance (Route 146) and finishes in the
Clifton Common recreational hotspot. To make things
affordable, there’s a discount for families of four until July
3. Race director Kristen Hislop recommends parking near
the Karigon/Orenda elementary schools, with a short
walk to the start and then take a direct route through the
park/campus back to your car.
As the Independence Day Parade follows directly after
the runners, spectators do double duty and are ready to
encourage your fastest times. In fact, your support team
See RUNNING & WALKING 15 ▶