1,200 Runners Expected in Cranford’s Firecracker 4

More than 1,200 runners are expected to participate in the 34th annual Firecracker 4-mile run and fun on Fourth of July.

In 2012, 1,303 4-mile runners participated in the Firecracker 4, Race Director Jerry Iacovano said.  This year’s pre-registration is already ahead of where it was at this point in 2012, he added.

The Firecracker 4 is a successful event in Cranford thanks to the Cranford Jaycees and the close-knit community of Cranford, Iacovano said.

“The Jaycees, who come out year after year and give their time and experience to make the race better and better,” he said.

The participation by the community of Cranford in these events brings the town even closer together, he added.

Pre-Registration ends on July 1, but interested participants still have the opportunity to sign up the day of at 7:15 a.m.

“It is truly a community event,” Iacovano said, “It also kicks off a great day of events in Nomahegan Park, culminating with the fireworks.”

The Firecracker 4 raises money for the Jaycees general scholarship fund, which awards Cranford seniors. This year, the committee awarded more than $27,000 in scholarships.

The fun run, which is only a mile, begins at 8:30 a.m. and the four-mile runs begins at 9 a.m. Runners start on Springfield Avenue across from Union County College and cross the finish line near the gazebo in Nomahegan Park.

The park is filled with post-run events leading up the grand finale of fireworks. Check back with Cranford Patch for more Fourth of July information.