Runners light their fuses for the Second Annual Firecracker 5k

The second Firecracker 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run on Siesta Key Beach might actually be the first. Despite a large turnout, last year’s inaugural run was called off at the last minute due to inclement weather.

The idea for the event was born out of a need to diversify fundraising efforts for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

“In 2010, we came up about 20% short of our goal,” said Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kevin Cooper. “We approached 2011 with the goal of diversifying the ways in which we raised money, in case one aspect of the fundraising didn’t go as well as planned.”

The chamber partnered with the Manasota Track Club to get more of the community involved, and the inaugural run attracted approximately 250 registered participants. On the morning of the run, however, lightning caused the race organizers to cancel the event.

“It was a pretty big disappointment for us,” said Cooper. “We had put months of work into it, but the only thing that would’ve been more disappointing is if we had gone ahead with the run and someone had been injured.”

Cooper and the rest of the organizers and participants are keeping their fingers crossed that Tropical Storm Debby won’t put a damper on this year’s run, as well. The event is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at Siesta Key Beach and, like last year, the proceeds from the run will go toward the chamber’s firework display, set for 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 4.

Participants are invited to attend a packet pick-up party from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 29, at the New Balance Store, 1872 Stickney Point Road. The party provides runners with an opportunity to finalize their registrations without having to show up for the 6:30 a.m. day-of-race registration.

“Hopefully, nicer weather will prevail this year, and we’ll be able to put on this event that people can enjoy,” said Cooper.

IF YOU GO
Second annual Firecracker 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Manasota Track Club to host a 5K and 1-mile fun run to raise funds for the annual Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration.
When: Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30; 5K takes place at 7:15 a.m. and 1-mile fun run begins at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Siesta Key Public Beach, 948 Beach Road
Cost: $15 for chamber members and track club members; $20 for pre-registered runners; $25 day of race
Call: 349-3800

22nd annual Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosts the Key’s annual fireworks celebration. VIP packages, which include reserved on-site parking, catered picnic for two, drinks, live music and a preferred viewing area, are available.
When: VIP reception begins at 5 p.m.; fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Siesta Key Beach
Cost: VIP packages are $150 per person
Call: 349-3800