Racers leave the starting line at Fun Run Racing Firecracker Run 2014 (Let the Light In Photography)This fourth of July, Fun Run Racing will hold its second annual Firecracker 5K race and 1-mile run at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center. Center and Aquatic Center at George Mason University’s Manassas campus.
Fun Run Racing is a Prince William based company, co-owned by Rob Dulin, a Patriot High School teacher, and Ian Connor, owner of The Running Store in Gainesville. In 2014, Dulin and Connor launched a series of family-friendly races to appeal to both leisure and hardcore runners.
The Fourth of July race is one of their more popular races eclipsed only by their Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.
“It is definitely one of the more festive races. Last year, we had an overwhelming amount of people in some festive gear,” Dulin said.
One family shows off their patriotic spirit. (Let the Light In Photography)This year, they expect at least 700 runners, double last year’s numbers.
Though early registration is over, those who register anytime before June 26 will receive all the same goodies the “early birds” receive such as a technical running t-shirt and race bib. Runners can also expect more prizes and entertainment from last year.
“We’ve got a couple nice additions,” Dulin said.
Additions include medals for all participants and mystery envelopes runners will receive upon crossing the finish line. Inside is either a small gift or a golden ticket reminiscent of Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Golden tickets are redeemable for bigger prizes such as a free pair of shoes from The Running Store, or a gift certificate to a local merchant.
And while top runners in their age category will earn gift cards to The Running Store. Fun Run Racing is also awarding prizes to those with the best costumes.
“We’re encouraging people to dress up,” said Dulin. “We’ve had some really cool costumes. Some people got really creative last year and just had some fun with it.”
The Running Store employee dresses like Uncle Sam while driving an ElliptiGo. (Let the Light In Photography)Runners can also expect a lively atmosphere provided by Fun Run Racing.
“We’re hoping to make it a little more festive. We hope to have some local restaurants, some food available and snow cones available,” Dulin said.
There will be a D.J. at the starting line, and also an electric guitarist, Jacob Chroussis, who is a Patriot High School student, playing along the route.
A portion of the proceeds from the Firecracker Run will be donated to the Bull Run Rotary Club in Manassas. In the past year, Fun Run Racing has donated over $17,500 to the organization and other local charities.
Dulin said they had proven to be the ideal nonprofit organization with which to partner.
“They come on out and support the race with volunteers. They are an organization where all of the money that comes in to them goes out. They don’t keep any money for operating costs.”
The idea behind Fun Run Racing was to bring large-scale timed races to Prince William, so runners could enjoy a race close to home and bring their families along. In its second year, Dulin believes that mission has been accomplished.
“I think the thing that we try to do from the beginning is to make all of the races user-friendly from registration to parking to the whole logistics of the race. We want to see a family-friendly event. We don’t take ourselves or our races too seriously. It’s a celebration of health fitness and running.”
Click here to register for Fun Run Racing's Firecracker 5K or 1-mile run.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!