Auburn Ski Club Training Center Is Set For Fundraiser & Fourth of July Tradition
TRUCKEE, Calif. — Organizers are expecting up to 600 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to run
in front of thousands of cheering spectators in Truckee’s annual Fourth of July Firecracker Mile. The Mile
is a family fun event on a slightly downhill course starting at US Bank on Donner Pass Road and finishing
downtown. More than 100 of last year’s Firecracker Milers were under age 10, and some as young as age
3 even completed the race. Little ones in strollers also are welcome. Participants will receive a
commemorative water bottle at the finish.
For the serious runners, an elite wave of up to 100 runners starts at 9:40 a.m. on Friday, July 4. You must
pre-register for the race to enter the elite wave. The fastest time in 2015 was Garrett Mack, at 4 minutes,
27.0 seconds. In the women’s category, Natalie Novitsky finished first with a time of 5:24.4, followed by
Truckee’s Hannah Halvorsen in 5:28.8.
The second wave of fun runners and walkers will start at 9:50 a.m. Both waves will be timed, and Fourth
of July themed running attire is encouraged. Organizers are expecting an additional fun wave at 9:55am as
well.
Registration (including online until July 3 by 4 p.m.) is open and can be found at
truckeerunningseries.com. Firecracker Milers can register and pay their entry fees at Tahoe Mountain
Sports, found in the Safeway Plaza.
Day of registration and bib pick up is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the parking lot across from US Bank
(10995 Donner Pass Road). Arrive early to find parking and allow time to walk to start line. Entry fees
increase after July 3, so pre-registration is encouraged. Participants are encouraged to stay and watch the
amazing Truckee Fourth of July Parade, put on by the Truckee Chamber, which follows both races at 10
a.m.
The Firecracker Mile is organized by the Auburn Ski Club Training Center and raises funds to support
children’s Nordic ski programs in the Truckee, Tahoe, and Foothill communities. On July 30, ASC Training
Center will host the 36th annual Squaw Mountain Run, which benefits ASCTC junior Nordic programs, and
the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. Learn more at www.squawmountainrun.com.
Volunteers are welcome for both events by emailing info@assoc.auburnskiclub.org or calling 530-426-
3313.