Firecracker 4 Road Race

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 15th annual Firecracker 4 Road Race was this past weekend on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Over 2,000 runners competed in the 4-mile road race, and 700 runners competed virtually. 

“With only 30 days preparation the 15th annual Firecracker 4 Road Race was reestablished, organized, marketed, and permitted,” said Peter C. Goutos, Race Director. “This could not have occurred without the support of our community leaders, very responsive sponsors, and the exceptional neighbors who were in our streets to welcome the runners back to Saratoga Springs.” 

Top male finisher, and overall winner, was Shea Weilbaker, 20, of Saratoga Springs, with a time of 19:14. Top female finisher was Cara Sherman, 24, from Ballston Spa, with a time of 22:01. 

Race organizers want to give special thanks to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, and the Saratoga Springs City Center for sponsoring and promoting the event.

“We needed a boost, and this race presented an opportunity for Saratoga Springs to welcome our community, friends, and visitors back,” said Goutos. 

And, this year’s race compared favorably to previous years, considering the sudden lift of COVID restrictions and the limited time to plan – the largest Firecracker had over 3,000 participants and the first Firecracker had only 157 runners.

Planning has already begun for the 16th annual Firecracker 4, and as Goutos said, “the Firecracker is a very welcoming road race in a city that is truly a recreational destination.”