Come To Genesis Firecracker Run and Stay For The Party
The Genesis Firecracker Run will return
to the streets of East Moline on July 4,
and everyone who participates in the
30th anniversary will be a winner.
For the third year, Genesis Health System
will be the title sponsor of the run that
has become an Independence Day
tradition. The race, one of the largest
road races in the Quad Cities, will be
sending participants home with more
than memories this year.
Free to the first 2,500 registrants in the
5K and 10K races will be a limited
edition, 29-ounce ceramic beer stein.
Every finisher in the 5K and 10K, 1-mile
and 1/4-mile events will also receive a
commemorative 30th anniversary medal.
Meanwhile, the place to be after the run
and before the parade will be the
“Genesis Red, White and Blues Party”
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring
entertainment provided by The Ellis Kell
Band, drink specials, and barbecue by
Smokey’s Country Diner.
“The Genesis Firecracker Run is a
summer classic in the Quad-Cities,’’ said
veteran race director Joe Moreno.
“This year will be very special because
we’re celebrating 30 years of this event.
Everyone who registers will be amazed
at what we have in store for them.’’
The race returned to its former glory in
2010 when Moreno, who led the race for
12 years from 1990-2001, returned as
race director and Genesis became title
sponsor. The run had always been a
highlight of the regional racing schedule,
however, participation had decreased in
recent years. “We brought the fun back
to the Firecracker Run, and it will only
get better this year,” Moreno said.
He credited the race’s revitalization to a
great team of sponsors, including
Genesis; a dedicated organizational
team; and, the dedicated participants
who remained involved in the race even
when the race numbers were down.
Traditions continue
There are events for every participant,
from easy walks on a flat course to
competitive 5K and 10K races. There is
also a 1/4-mile kids race and a new
10K relay for two-person teams.
The Firecracker 5K and 10K races will
start at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of
8th Street and 15th Avenue. There will
be musical entertainment along the
course; electronic chip timing for near
instantaneous results; special
tech shirts in men and
women’s sizes for race
participants; and, trophies to
the top finishers in each division.
Special awards will go to the first
men’s and women’s finishers from East
Moline.
The Kiddie Run for kids 8 years and
under will be at 8:45 a.m., and the
National Bank Mile run/walk at
9:15 a.m. In addition, there will be a
Guns ‘N Hoses 5K challenge for teams of
current or retired firefighters and police
from area departments. Also back this
year will be hospital bed races, awards
for the best patriotic costumes, and the
popular pancake breakfast hosted by the
East Moline Fire Department.
The pancake breakfast will be from
7-11 a.m. July 4 at the American Legion
Post on 16th Avenue, just a half block
from the start/finish line. Proceeds will
benefit the Muscular Dystrophy
Association.
Registration
To register for any
of the Genesis Firecracker Run events,
go to www.getmeregistered.com or
www.firecrackerrun.com.
