OVERVIEW
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: 145 Parkshore Drive, Folsom, CA 95630
Distances: 10K, 5K, 2 Mile, Kids Fun Run
Quick Links:
View Participant Confirmation Email
(sent Monday, June 29)
Participant Email #2
(Packet Pick Up reminder) (sent 7/2/26)
2026 Photos
(expected by 7/8)
Happy 4th of July!
Join us for our 14th Annual Folsom Firecracker. It is a great way to kick off the 4th of July before your festivities with family and friends.
Registration will open in Spring of 2025
We’re updating our Volunteer Voucher Program to make it more flexible and equitable for all volunteers. These changes begin with this year’s Lucky Run on March 28.
What’s Changing
– Vouchers will now be worth $45, instead of one free entry.
– The $45 credit can be used across events, including multiple kids fun run entries or a single 5K entry.
Voucher Use
– Vouchers are valid for any ACoP event starting the day after they are earned and can be used throughout the 2026 season.
– This update helps ensure adequate volunteer coverage during race-morning registration.
– Vouchers earned at packet pickup may still be used for the following day’s race.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Start & Finish Location: Lake Natoma Bike Trails, 145 Parkshore Drive, Folsom, CA 95630
Start Times:
7:45 a.m. – 10K
7:50 a.m. – 5K
8:00 a.m. – 2 Mile
9:00 a.m. – Kids Fun Run
*Start times are subject to change
Packet Pick-Up
Where? Fleet Feet Folsom, 6610 Folsom-Auburn Rd, Folsom, CA 95630
When? July 3, 2026 from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Race Day Pick Up Offered- Saturday, July 4th Beginning at 6:30 a.m. (held near start/finish line on Parkshore Drive)
Note: We suggest arriving one hour prior to your race start time if you are picking up your packet on race day.
Venue Address
Lake Natoma Bike Trails, 145 Parkshore Drive, Folsom, CA 95630
Course Maps
REGISTRATION
HOW TO REGISTER
- Registration is now open!
- All registration is handled online and entry fees are based on date of entry, distance chosen, and entry type. A youth discount (ages 1-17) and US Military (Active Duty or Veteran) discount is available. Military discount does not extend to spouses or children.
- A processing fee – which covers the costs to the online registration provider and the merchant cards (VISA, Mastercard, etc) will apply to all entries processed online with a credit card.
- Cash will be accepted at packet pick up and on race day.
- Free race photos!
ENTRY FEES
Fees include:
For the 2 Mile, 5K, and 10K includes a race t-shirt, chip timing, eligibility for age group & special division awards, and a sparkly red-white-and-blue finisher’s medal.
For the Kids Run entry includes a bib number and finisher medal (race is not timed). A t-shirt may be added to the entry for $5
To view entry fees or to register click here.
AWARDS, AGE GROUP, & SPECIAL DIVISIONS
Overall Awards
Overall Awards will be presented to the top three finishers per gender.
Overall awards placement will be based on Gun Time.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male, female, and nonbinary finishers (based on gun time) plus the top three finishers per gender (based on net time) in the following age categories
Overall winners will also receive their age group prize. Unclaimed awards are not mailed. Age group award winners who do not pick up their medal on race day may pick it up in-person at Fleet Feet Folsom from July 6 to July 24.
Age Groups
All age division awards will be determined based on placement by net (elapsed) time.
Age groups are as follows:
- 5K: 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90+.
- 10K: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
- 2 Mile: 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Special Divisons
Special Divisions: During registration, 5K and 10K entrants will have the chance to enter one of our Special Divisions for your race distance. Special divisions are:
- Adaptive Athlete (athletes with physical, developmental, and/or intellectual disabilities);
- US Military – Active Duty/Reserves or Veteran
- Baby Jogger/Stroller
- First Responder / Law Enforcement
- City of Folsom Resident
- Cancer Survivor
- City of Sacramento Resident
There will be prizes for top finishers in each special division (based on net time) and you will still be ranked in your respective age group if you enter a special division.
This is an optional category that you may enter in addition to your age group. Those entering a special division will still be eligible for age group awards and will still be ranked and listed in age group results. You may enter only one special division.
More Information
Adaptive Athlete Division
- You may enter this division if you are an athlete with physical, developmental, and/or an intellectual disability. Some examples are: visually impaired, wheelchair athlete, limb difference, developmental/intellectual delayed/disability, modified racing wheelchair (“duo team”), etc. Rankings will be based on net (chip) time.
Baby Jogger Division
- This division is for parents, guardians and caregivers who will be pushing an infant or todder in a stroller or baby jogger.
- If more than one person will be running/walking with a stroller, only ONE should enter the baby jogger division.
- Children in strollers do not need to be registered; however will not receive a t-shirt or medal.
- Rankings will be based on net (chip) time.
- Those participating with strollers must start toward the back at the start line. Starting toward the front is not safe for either you or those around you and we do not want to encourage weaving.
- If you would like to run a very fast pace and start toward the front, we suggest not participating with a stroller.
- The top three finishers per gender (based on the adult pushing the stroller) will be awarded a prize.
ENTRY RULES
Refund/Cancellation Policy: All entries are NON-REFUNDABLE and are NON-TRANSFERABLE to another event. This event will occur rain or shine.
Transfers to Another Individual: If you wish to transfer your entry to a friend or family member in the case that you become injured or cannot otherwise attend, it MUST be done on or before 11:59 PM on July 2, 2026. There is no fee to transfer to a friend/family member but your request must be completed online through your runsignup account. Doing so via your runsignup account will send an email to your friend, who may then accept the transfer request and provide their information, shirt size and agree to the liability waiver. The person to whom you are transferring your entry must complete the request on or before 11:59 PM on July 2, 2026.
Changing Race Divisions: If you wish to change your race distance, we would be happy to assist you. Please email us at: events@changeofpace.com. You can also change your distance within your runsignup account through June 30. Please note: Our no refund policy still applies. (This includes no refunds on the price difference)
Course Etiquette: Due to majority of the course being on a bike path we ask participants to be respectful of those around you. We view our course as you would a freeway; slower paced runners and walkers on the right to give faster paced participants room to pass on the left.
Dogs: We regret due to insurance policies that pets are not permitted in the event, except for service animals
The event will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, located here in Sacramento County off Hwy. 50 adjacent to the UC Davis Med Center. Shriners Children’s mission statement is to provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
A Change of Pace is proud to announce our continued relationship with Cancer Champions as our ongoing charitable partner. Cancer Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting cancer survivors through custom fitness, nutrition, and mindset programming tailored to the unique needs of those battling or recovering from cancer treatment. Donations to Cancer Champions enable the organization to provide survivors with expert guidance to complement traditional cancer treatment. A Change of Pace and Cancer Champions both believe in the powerful and proven benefits of exercise, and we are very happy to be able to deepen our relationship in the name of health, fitness, and quality of life.
The event will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, located here in Sacramento County off Hwy. 50 adjacent to the UC Davis Med Center. Shriners Children’s mission statement is to provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
VOLUNTEERS
At A Change of Pace, we consider our volunteers the backbone of each event. From registration and finish line volunteers, to water station and course monitors, each person fulfills a critical role in both the safety and success of the race.
Volunteering at a running event can be fun and intrinsically rewarding while providing the opportunity to be a part of the community and meet new people. There are roles for people of most ages and backgrounds and no experience is necessary!
For the Folsom Firecracker, we have volunteer opportunities available for those looking to:
- Volunteer and give back to the local community
- Fulfill required community service hours (school, sorority, etc.)
- Participate in our popular “Race for Free” Race Voucher Program to promote volunteerism
- Fundraise for a non-profit, youth organization, sports team or club, or other charitable organization
Individuals can sign up to volunteer here. To sign up as a group, or for questions, please contact Maya Miramontes.
Vouchers
We’re updating our Volunteer Voucher Program to make it more flexible and equitable for all volunteers. These changes begin with this year’s Lucky Run on March 28.
What’s Changing
– Vouchers will now be worth $45, instead of one free entry.
– The $45 credit can be used across events, including multiple kids fun run entries or a single 5K entry.
Voucher Use
– Vouchers are valid for any ACoP event starting the day after they are earned and can be used throughout the 2026 season.
– This update helps ensure adequate volunteer coverage during race-morning registration.
– Vouchers earned at packet pickup may still be used for the following day’s race.
Questions? Please contact Maya Miramontes
Fundraising
A Change of Pace provides opportunities throughout the year for fundraising to local organizations. This is a popular program with youth groups, youth sports teams, collegiate sports clubs, and non-profit organizations. By volunteering at the Folsom Firecracker, your members can support their local running community and raise money for your cause at the same time. Donations from A Change of Pace to your organization are based upon the number of volunteers and the timeframe of your group’s commitment to help at the event.
Fundraising groups must be ten people or more to participate in the program. Space and funds are limited for each event, so please sign up early. For more information or to sign up, please contact Maya Miramontes.
SPONSORSHIP/VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
Each event ACoP produces is unique and offers a specific marketing demographics for active individuals and then some. Our regional grassroot events provide a highly visible opportunity to show case your product or to promote your services in a face to face way.
Depending on your specific needs, we have several marketing and advertising opportunities that can be customizable to enable your business to become seen on a local/regional level.
Booth/Vendor Opportunities
BOOTH/VENDOR SPACE.
Booth/vendor space is available at every event we produce. Each space includes a 10’x10’ space enabling you showcase your product/service to the entire field of athletes.
Sponsorship
Supporting our event as a sponsor is simple and flexible. Whether you are looking to increase brand awareness, showcase a product, engage directly with participants, or support a meaningful community tradition, we can customize opportunities that align with your goals and budget. From local businesses to regional and national brands, sponsorship provides an easy and impactful way to connect with thousands of active individuals throughout the community.
Sponsorship Benefits
- Direct exposure to thousands of runners, walkers, spectators, and volunteers
- Association with a positive, healthy, family-friendly community event
- Strong brand visibility before, during, and after race day
- Opportunities for on-site engagement, product sampling, and activations
- Inclusion in digital marketing campaigns, social media, email outreach, and event promotions
- Connection with loyal participants who support businesses that support local events
- Repeated brand impressions through training groups, participant sharing, and community engagement
- Alignment with an authentic grassroots tradition that builds long-term community goodwill
More than advertising, sponsorship positions your business as a supporter of health, wellness, and local community experiences that participants remember and return to year after year.
To help align with your marketing goals and budget, we offer a variety of sponsorship levels, with many opportunities that can also be customized to fit your company’s specific needs and objectives.
For additional information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dave Miramontes at davem@changeofpace.com.
