For nearly half a century, the sound of firecrackers has echoed through Chinatown to mark more than just the Lunar New Year — it has marked the start of a race.
On February 28 and March 1, 2026, the 48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker returns to the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza, once again blending endurance sport with cultural celebration. What began decades ago as a community race has grown into one of the largest and oldest Lunar New Year 5K and 10K run/walk events in the United States, now joined by a 1K Kiddie Run, 2K PAW’er Dog Walk, and the 18th Annual 20- and 50-Mile Bike Rides.
But the Firecracker is more than a starting line and a finish medal. It is a tradition that reflects the rhythm of Los Angeles itself — diverse, energetic, and constantly in motion.
Racing Into the New Year
The weekend unfolds in layers.
Saturday morning belongs to cyclists. At 8 a.m., the 50-mile Bike Ride departs Chinatown, weaving through the LA River Bike Trail and into Griffith Park before stretching outward to Burbank, Glendale, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, Alta Dena, South Pasadena, El Sereno, and Lincoln Heights. The 20-mile Bike Ride follows at 8:15 a.m., tracing a shorter but scenic route through Chinatown, the river trail, and Griffith Park.
At 9 a.m., the pace softens but the energy remains high as the 2K PAW’er Dog Walk steps off, inviting four-legged participants to take part in the Lunar New Year festivities. Blossom Plaza hosts the 3rd Annual Lantern Paw Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., presented by Pawsitive Management, adding a dog-centered Lunar New Year celebration to the weekend lineup. The free public festival continues Saturday until 4 p.m.
Sunday shifts focus to runners and walkers. The 5K begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:40 a.m. The 1K Kiddie Run starts at 9:45 a.m., complete with a Kiddie Fun Zone featuring carnival games, face painting, pony rides, arts and crafts, rock climbing, puppet shows, and more. Sunday’s festival remains open to the public until 12 p.m.
Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2026 race bib, a collectible finisher’s medal, a commemorative T-shirt — including for registered kids and dogs — and a goodie bag.
The Course That Tells a Story
The Firecracker’s routes are part of its identity.
The 5K course runs out and back past the main entrance to Dodger Stadium, tying the event to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The 10K, a more demanding challenge, climbs into the hills of Elysian Park. From North Broadway, runners ascend toward higher elevations, winding above the Figueroa Tunnels over the 110 Freeway and through tree-lined terrain that opens into sweeping 180-degree views of the Los Angeles skyline.
The 48th Annual Firecracker runs are approved 2026 USATF Sanctioned Events, underscoring the event’s established presence in the national running community.
Yet what makes the climb memorable is not only the elevation gain — it’s the moment when the city reveals itself. The skyline comes into view, Chinatown below, downtown beyond, and for a brief stretch, runners move through a quiet corridor of hills before descending back into celebration.
Firecrackers, Lions, and 100,000 Sparks
Before the races even begin, tradition takes center stage.
The weekend opens with Lunar New Year ceremonies featuring lion dancers and the lighting of more than 100,000 firecrackers. The ritual is both symbolic and sensory — a burst of sound meant to usher in good fortune and chase away negativity for the year ahead.
The two-day Firecracker Festival Expo transforms Chinatown into a lively public gathering space. Exhibitors, vendors, a beer garden, children’s activities, and live entertainment fill the plaza, free and open to the community. For many attendees, the festival itself is the main event, with the races serving as one element of a larger cultural weekend.
The Year of the Fire Horse
The 2026 Firecracker aligns with the Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology. Those born under the Horse sign are said to be active, optimistic, and cheerful, with the year itself associated with adventure, prosperity, and decisive action.
In 2026, it is specifically the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol known for passionate drive and spirited determination. The Fire Horse amplifies the Horse’s natural independence and adventurousness, creating a fast-moving and dynamic force.
This year’s Firecracker imagery reflects that symbolism. The Fire Horse is depicted with lava-like lines grazing its body and a glowing tail, embracing its fiery nature. Tall antlers reference the mythical Qilin, a traditional symbol of prosperity and longevity. A blazing ring of fire encircles the figure, representing growth and transformation.
The symbolism mirrors the spirit of the event itself: motion, endurance, and renewal.
Built by Volunteers, Powered by Community
Behind the spectacle is a nonprofit organization driven by volunteers.
The event is produced by the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a volunteer-run group dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, cultural awareness, educational support, and community participation. Proceeds from the Firecracker are reinvested locally, supporting elementary schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
The race’s longevity — now entering its 48th year — speaks to sustained community commitment. Sponsors including American Bio-Clinical Laboratories; Angel City Brewery; Capital Group; Chavez Ravine Land Company; CWLab International, Ltd.; Paul Weiss Cares Program; San Antonio Winery; and Young Engineering, Inc., help ensure the event continues year after year.
More Than a Race
In a city known for reinvention, the Firecracker stands as something steady. It marks time. It signals renewal. It brings generations together — seasoned runners chasing personal bests, children lining up for their first 1K, cyclists navigating miles of open road, and families gathering beneath red lanterns.
By the time the final medals are handed out and the last firecracker fades, the message is clear: the Lunar New Year in Los Angeles does not quietly arrive. It is run into, biked into, walked into — loudly, collectively, and with 48 years of momentum behind it.
Where It Takes Place:
The 48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker will be held at the Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles, serving as the central hub for race starts, finishes, ceremonies, and the two-day public festival. Registration for all events ranges from $35 to $75. More information is available at https://firecracker10k.org/.
