Annual Firecracker Run Set for July 4

It’s advertised as a rain or shine event and if Scott Wilcox had any doubts about the organizers’ sincerity on that point, those were thoroughly dispelled two years ago.

“I’ve never ran in that hard of a rain before for that long of a time,” recalled Wilcox co-owner of . “You were soaked by the time it was over.”

But Wilcox had a great time and this year will mark Snap’s fourth among the sponsors of the annual Firecracker Run, an O’Fallon Independence Day tradition set to make its 27^th appearance early next month. Divided into eight categories from below age 8 to 60 and up, the race, scheduled to center on , has both 5k and 10k sections, while informal competitors can take on a one-mile “fun run.” The event is designed to raise funds for the .

“The reason we do events like this is to keep our membership dues at a reasonable rate so that any business in the community can be involved in what we have to offer,” said Laura Badolato, director of member services for the chamber.

She said that the race drew about 500 entrants last year but this time around, organizers are hoping to attract as many as 750 runners due to recognition of the 5k and 10k events by USA Track & Field (USATF).

“With us having it certified it allows us to open it to a wider market,” she said.

There’s also another twist for 2011. Humans won’t be the only runners in the informal race.

“This year is interesting because we have also invited pets out to the event so participants are welcome to bring their dogs to participate in the one-mile run,” Badolato said.

It’s the run’s second year at the ballpark. Previous locations have included Old Monroe Bank and .

“The race has been growing every year,” Badolato said. “We’re really excited now that we’ve brought the event to the . It’s nice exposure for the ballpark and a fun experience for everyone.”

Participants will finish their run by crossing home plate. An award ceremony and vendor expo will follow the event featuring coupons, giveaways and food and drinks from area restaurants.

Runners over age 21 will receive two free post-race beers while a local kennel will provide water and dog treats for four-legged fun runners.

Shanna Palans, owner of , is celebrating her second year as director of the race. She’s been on the board for several years.

“We get a really wide range of participants,” she said. “There are really hard core runners that are very competitive and come out to do it because the course is certified and 10k courses are a little less common in the area. Then there are just families that want to come out and do it because they want to dress in red, white and blue on the fourth of July and do a family activity together.”

She said it was a good, relatively flat course. She also remembers the rain a couple of years back.

“Apparently people who run just don’t care about the weather,” she chuckled.

Wilcox said he and his family enjoy the event.

“My wife and I are both into physical fitness,” he said. “It’s just kind of an annual tradition to run on the Fourth of July.”

He encourages others to try the race saying it’s a good way to get out, spend time with family and see friends.

“It’s really more of a social event,” he said. “The 5k only takes about 20-30 minutes, with the 10k maybe 40 minutes to an hour. It’s just a good social event to kick off the holiday weekend.”

The race begins at 7 a.m., the morning of July 4. Registration for the certified events is $25 with a $15 fee for the fun run. After June 30, the fees go to $30 for the timed events and $20 for the fun run. Race day registration is available from 6 a.m.-6:30 a.m. The first 500 race participants will receive a free T-shirt which is upgradeable to a Tek shirt for $5 more.

To learn more or register visit www.ofallonchamber.org/firecracker.