Registration is now open for the 46th annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Run/1K Kiddie & PAW’er Dog Run/Walk & 19/50-Mile Bike Ride, which returns to Downtown Los Angeles February 24 – 25, 2024.
To be held at the historic Chinatown Plaza, the two-day event celebrates 2024 Year of the Dragon and is expected to draw up to eight thousand participants and 30,000 spectators.
“People come from all over to attend,” says Jennifer Gee, board member with LA Chinatown Firecracker. “The Firecracker is not just for runners or bike riders. It’s for everyone, including families and friends and participants of all levels.”
Started as a 10k run in 1978 as a way to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and attract more people to Chinatown, the Firecracker has blossomed into one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S. Today, the event features walking, biking and doggie events for people of all ages and skills.
Those interested in entering The Firecracker can participate in-person or virtually. Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2024 Firecracker race bib, exclusive collectible finisher’s medal, limited edition t-shirt (Paw’er Dogs receive their own commemorative Firecracker t-shirt), goody bag, and more.
All registered participants age 21 and over are also eligible for one complimentary beer at the Beer Garden. In addition, participants and their guests will enjoy the Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of historic Chinatown with an opening ceremony filled with lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers.
The festival is located in the heart of Chinatown and hosts more than 50 exhibitors showcasing products and services including nutrition, beverages, snacks, running shoes and cycling apparel. The expo is open to the public and free. There will also be vendors and booths.
DTLA Weekly will also have a booth at the event and all attendees are encouraged to stop by, say hi, grab the latest issue of DTLA Weekly, and receive a free t-shirt and button.
The annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker has been approved as a 2024 United States Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event. It is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a group of volunteers who help stage events and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, and cultural awareness to the greater Los Angeles community. All proceeds from the event are reinvested in the community and surrounding areas to help support local elementary schools and other non-profit organizations, providing service and programs.
Sponsors for the event include McCourt Partners, San Antonio Winery, American Bio-Clinical Laboratories, Winston & Joanne Young, Cathay Bank, Empire International, Longo Toyota/Lexus, Rose Burton, and Central City Optimist.
Registration is $38 – $75 with discounts for participating in multiple events. The festivities begin with Chinese Dragon Dancing and over 8,000 participants at the starting line at 7am – 12pm located at 943 N Broadway, Chinatown – DTLA. @firecracker10k
