About the event

Once an Arnold Independence Day Parade tradition, the Firecracker Mile is a mile race that kicks off the Independence Day parade, beginning at the Arnold Byway and ending at Cedar Center. It's a great way to participate in the parade if you're not already on a float, and we hope you'll join us as we promote fitness and raise money for Hazel Fischer Elementary Parents Club.

Race registration

Registration will be $10 for all Calaveras students and $20 for all other participants. Littles riding in strollers will cost $10 if they want a shirt. Minors must be registered by a parent or guardian. Sorry but there will be no refunds if you cannot race. Runners and walkers have three opportunities to register: (1) online at ultrasignup.com through June 29, (2) in person from 4 - 6 pm June 30 at Big Trees Market, or (3) in person the morning of the race. All participants will be given shirts on a first come, first served basis.

Bib pick-up

Runners and walkers who have registered online can pick up their race bibs at Big Trees Market from 4 - 6 pm on Friday, June 30. Otherwise bibs can be picked up at the registration table at the start of the race on July 1.

Day of the event

Same-day registration will start at 8:00 am at the bottom of the Arnold Byway on July 1. There is no parking at the Byway as this is the staging area for parade floats. Participants are encouraged to park at Cedar Center. A bus will pick runners up at Cedar Center at 8:45 am and 9:15 am and deliver them to the race start. Runners who do not make it on the bus for the 9:15 am departure will need to find a way to the race start on their own. The road closes at 9:30 am and doesn't re-open until the parade is over, so please plan accordingly. Pre-race warm-ups will commence at 9:45 am, and the race will begin promptly at 9:50 am (pending the highway closure). T-shirts and snacks will be available in the parking lot of El Dorado Savings Bank. This is also where racers can meet up with their families.

Awards

Awards for the top three individuals (male and female) in each category will receive a medal upon finishing the race. Categories are Preschool - 1st grade, 2nd - 5th grade, 6th - 8th grade, 9th - 12th grade, adult, and senior (55+). Categories are based on where the participant will be in the fall of 2023.

After the race

After the race, stick around and enjoy the annual Arnold Independence Day parade from 10-11 along the same route as the Firecracker Mile.

Event's current local time: 3:42 PM PT