Cotuit is gearing up for the Firecracker Classic Road Race, an event that consists of a running race and an after-party. It serves as a fun experience for the community as well as a fundraising opportunity, and it’s slated for Thursday at Lowell Park.
The event, which is organized by SEMC Sports, has taken place for nearly the past 25 years and serves as a way to kick off the holiday festivities, bringing the community together just two days before the Fourth of July.
“It is intended to be the race of the season, one of the events on the annual calendar that people come out for,” said Jim Whitman, the race director.
One thing Whitman wants to emphasize is that the event is for everyone, regardless of age or running experience.
“If you want to just walk the course, you're welcome to do that,” Whitman said. “If you have young kids and want to get (them) into running and in the park for some really fun activities, that's great.”
The main event is the race, which begins at 6:15 p.m. and is approximately 5 kilometers. It involves an “extra special” course this year, with the route beginning at Lowell Park and heading toward Ropes Beach. Runners also go through Loop Beach and finish back at Lowell Park.
Participants can earn prizes based on performance. The fastest overall male and female will win large cherry pies from Centerville Pie Company, while every age category winner will receive a small cherry pie. After the race, there will be a party that includes pizza and beer.
There will also be kids activities at the beginning of the event (6 p.m.) where they can run around on the field and win prizes from Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour.
It costs $44.35 to compete in the race and $12.55 to participate in the kids events. The money benefits various organizations including Barnstable Land Trust, Cotuit Athletic Association, Cape Cod Challenger Club and Boy Scout Troop 52.
Not only is the event part of a good cause, but it’s also just a fun time. Runners show up ready to race, children show up ready for ice cream and those who are really in the holiday spirit show up in costume.
“There was someone in a big red, white and blue bumblebee apparatus with wings; (it was) quite a thing,” Whitman said. “We're still waiting for someone to come as the caped cod: a cod wearing a cape.”
From dressing up as Uncle Sam to simply wearing the American colors, the community shows out. Whitman has noticed an increase in participation since he first got involved with the event in 2021.
“We'll have about 500 people this year, which is great,” he said. “When I started, I think (we had) 225, so we've made a lot of progress.”
The Firecracker Classic Road Race serves as an enjoyable experience for the entire community while benefiting important organizations. The community is encouraged to get involved and can register online at https://www.semcsports.com/.
