L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run & Dog Walk Goes Virtual For 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA — The annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker, one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S., has canceled its in-person Lunar New Year run/walk, cycling and dog walk events planed Feb. 19-20 in downtown Los Angeles, opting for a virtual format for 2022, said organizers, who cited COVID concerns for the "difficult decision."

"After careful consideration amidst the recent surge of the Omicron variant, and serious spike in hospitalization, the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee has decided to have this year’s 44th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker ... go completely virtual," the organization said today.

The 2022 L.A. Chinatown Firecracker events — which include a 5/10K run/walk, the 14th annual 20/40-mile bike ride, a kiddie run and PAW’er Dog Walk — now take place virtually only through Feb 27.

Entrants can participate by downloading and activating on mobile devices a RaceJoy app that will track and record their results as they run, walk or ride. Participants also may submit their results manually on the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker registration site. Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2022 Firecracker race bib, finisher’s medal, T-shirt and goody bag.

"During this time of uncertainty, the LACFRC remains committed to its mission of promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles and made this difficult decision for the safety of our thousands of supportive participants, spectators, volunteers, vendors and local community and our healthcare workers," the committee added.

Produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, the Firecracker activities' net proceeds are reinvested in the local community and schools, organizers said.

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