Firecracker Chase

🏁 Race Overview

Hayden’s Hope and the Quatina M. Wolaver Foundation of Hope are excited to announce the Firecracker Chase is back for 2025, which is the 50th anniversary of the inaugural running! If you're unfamiliar, the Firecracker Chase is a classic road race that has been held on and off for several decades in the beautiful town of Fayetteville, TN. When this race originally began, the racers (who were apparently gluttons for punishment) would start at noon on the 4th of July! We've taken it down several notches from when those fire-breathers were knocking back the miles. Oh, and where did that distance come from? Apparently, according to one of the OG Chasers, that was just a snafu in course measurement...they had intended to run 10 miles, but when they went back and certified the distance, it was discovered that it was actually 10.2 so the rest, as they say, is history. They kept that distance...and so will we...give or take.

🏃‍♂️ Courses

• Open Course: Neither the 5K nor the 10.2MI course will be closed at any point.
• Stay Alert: It's advisable to keep both your ears and eyes open while running.
• Elevation: The elevation chart on the 10.2 course is deceptively challenging.
• Facilities: Porta Potties will be at the Start/Finish line and at Sweet Dixie Farm.

🌡️ Weather

• Traditional Heat: June 28th is typically a hot event.
• Training Consideration: Please train and plan accordingly for the heat.
• Race Status: We'll run rain or shine...just not lightning.

⏱️ Cutoff

• Course Duration: The course will be open for 3 hours.
• Pace Requirement: A 17:38/mile pace for the 10.2 miler is required.
• Walker Friendly: Walkers are welcome to tackle the course at the required pace.
• Timing: If you're not back by 10, you'll be swept.

🏆 Awards

The 5K awards ceremony will take place on our courthouse lawn across from our iconic movie theater around 8 AM: we will do the 10.2MI awards ceremony at about 9:15.

• Overall Male: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.
• Overall Female: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards.
• Local Recognition: Overall Male and Female from Lincoln County (10.2MI only).
• Age Groups: 5K & 10.2MI age groups will be: 0 – 9, 10 – 14, 15 – 19, 20 – 24, 25 – 29, 30 – 34, 35 – 39, 40 – 44, 45 – 49, 50 – 54, 55 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70+.

📦 Packet Pickup

June 27th 4 - 6 PM at the Gazebo on Fayetteville Square: June 28th 6 - 6:45 AM at the Gazebo on Fayetteville Square.

🎽 SWAG!

• Registration Deadline: Each runner WHO IS REGISTERED BY JUNE 8th will receive a t-shirt.
• No Extras: If you miss that date, you will not receive a shirt - no extra shirts will be ordered.
• Medals: All runners completing the 10.2MI course will receive a Firecracker medal!
• Discount Option: For everyone registered by June 8th, you can opt for a $5 discount instead of a t-shirt.

💧 CUPLESS Aid Stations

• Bring Your Own: We will not have cups at our aid stations.
• Hydration Requirement: You will be required to carry your own drinking vessel for the 10.2MI race.
• Types Accepted: Paper cup, hydropack, water bottle—whatever works for you.
• Aid Stations: Coolers of water on the 5K course, and water and sports drink on the 10.2MI.

🚫 Important Notes

• No Strollers: This race is NOT OPEN to strollers, baby joggers, or pets.
• Safety Concern: The course isn't smooth enough for strollers/joggers.
• Heat Awareness: The pavement is usually hot, and we don’t want any burnt paws on our watch.

💬 Final Thoughts

Feel free to post any questions in the event discussion here.

Proceeds from this race will benefit Hayden’s Hope and the Quatina M. Wolaver Foundation of Hope, which are both 501(c)3 organizations headquartered in Lincoln County, TN.