The 47th annual Firecracker 4-Miler returns to Nomahegan Park in Cranford on July 4th with a 4-mile race, a 1-mile fun run, and a post-race party for all ages. The event features scenic community routes, tech shirts, chip timing, and commemorative pint glasses for 4-miler participants. After the race, attendees can enjoy ice pops, popcorn, face painting, and live DJ entertainment.
Register Here
📍 The Basics
Where: Start/Finish at Nomahegan Park (1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ)
When: Saturday, July 4th
Start Times: Fun Run @ 8:00 AM | 4-Miler @ 8:30 AM | Virtual - whenever!
Registration: 100% Online. No paper forms or walk-up manual registrations. Please sign up online before arriving!
Parking: Union College parking lot (right across the street)
🎟️ Pricing & Deadlines
4-Miler:
1-Mile Fun Run:
👕 Swag & Perks
Tech Shirts: High-quality Unisex and Ladies cuts. Guaranteed if registered by June 27th! (Check our sizing guides online).
Souvenir Pint Glasses: For 4-Milers only. Guaranteed if registered by June 13th!
The Post-Race Party: Stick around for ice pops, popcorn, bananas, face painting, and a live DJ to keep the energy going!
🏃♂️ Race Timing and Awards
Fun Run Timing: Fully chip-timed (start and finish mats) by SplitSecondRacing.net. Get mile splits, live results, and an instant email as soon as you cross the finish line! All kids will get souvenir ribbons, and everyone can download a finisher certificate featuring their official time and placements by age. NEW FOR 2026: Awards for the top 3 Male & Female finishers (ages 14 & under).
4-Miler Timing: Fully chip-timed (start and finish mats) by SplitSecondRacing.net. Get mile splits, live results, and an instant email as soon as you cross the finish line!
Award Individual Categories: Overall & Age Group (Male/Female), plus Overall Non-Binary.
Award Team Categories: Couples, Parent/Daughter, Parent/Son.
Winner Winner: Medals for all categories will be presented right after the race.
🌎 Virtual Run Option
Out of town for the 4th? Run from wherever you are! You still get the tech shirt and souvenir pint glass. Note: You must pick up your swag locally during the pre-race pickup times (we cannot ship items), and virtual results are not officially recorded.
🎒 Pickup Schedule
Skip the race-day lines and grab your gear early! Please have your bib number ready (we'll email it to you before the race).
Pre-Race Pickup @ Cougar Headquarters (415 Centennial Ave, Cranford):
Race Day Pickup @ Nomahegan Park:
