Things to Know for Race Day:

We cannot wait to see you on Sunday, June 8, 2025 ~ Race at 8 AM!

Our Firecracker 5K is at Veteran’s Park (Hamilton, NJ) this year! Entrance is off of Kuser Road. Head toward the skating park. Starting line is next to the Pavilion on Ron Tellefsen Drive (next to the skating park and near the baseball and soccer fields). If you want to leave before the festivities are over, please do not park in the lot next to the skating park as you will be held there until every runner and walker crosses the finish line.
The course will be clearly marked but see below to familiarize yourself with the race.
Registration opens at 7:00 am. Make sure to get your bib and your t-shirt. If you want to, there are two additional opportunities for packet pick up before race day (see below).
There will be a 50-yard dash or a 100-yard dash for children (ages 3-8). Sign up on the day of the race or when you register for the 5K. Parents will be asked to sign a waiver when checking in on race day.
We will have an award ceremony starting at approximately 9:00 am. There will be awards for the overall male and female, top three male and female runners, along with the top male and female runners in 16 different age groups. Please grab some water and food and gather near the start.
Kids can enjoy yard games during the race and can win some fun prizes. There will be volunteers, but kids must be supervised by an adult during the race.
We truly appreciate each and every one of you. Good luck!

Key Details:

What? Run or walk a 5K trail through the beautiful Veteran’s Park in Hamilton, kids can enjoy a 50-yard dash (ages 3-5) or 100-yard dash (ages 6-8), lawn games, and prizes. A fun summer event complete with a DJ! Prizes will be awarded to the Top Women & Men Finishers.

When? Sunday, June 8th at 8 AM

Registration begins at 7:00 AM and the 5K begins at 8:00 AM. If you pick up your packet on Friday at Fleet Feet or OHM Fitness Princeton, you do not need to check in on race day. Just head to the starting line.

Where? Veteran’s Park is located at 2206 Kuser Rd., Hamilton, NJ

Course map is below but click HERE for a photo tour of the course!

Why? Proceeds from the race benefit the Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund. This fund helps children and families access childcare and summer programs at the YWCA Princeton. The YWCA Princeton's mission is to eliminate racism and empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs are designed to address the byproducts of inequity: affordability and accessibility. This includes the Bates Scholarship provided to families in need through The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton. Come out to support a great cause at this fun family event!

How? Register online today here: YWCA PRINCETON'S FIRECRACKER 5K (runsignup.com)

Early registration ($40) ends on June 7th at 11:59 PM. Race day registration ($45) will be available online or at the park.

More Details:

T-shirts: Participant t-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed if registered after May 25th. T-shirts will not be mailed.

Packet Pickup: Pick up your race bib, t-shirt and race day information

OHM Fitness Princeton (301 North Harrison Street, Princeton): Friday, June 6 ~ 9 am - 11:30 am

Fleet Feet (108 Nassau Street, Princeton): Friday, June 6 ~ 3 pm - 6 pm

Veteran’s Park (2206 Kuser Rd., Hamilton): RACE DAY, Sunday, June 8 ~ 7 am - 7:55 am

5K Runners must be at least 5 years old as of race date.

Run is rain or shine, and only in the event of emergency weather the run will be cancelled.

Questions? Contact Becky Shavitz at rshavitz@ywcaprinceton.org or 609-497-2100 ext 322