A two-day event combining bike rides, dog walks, kiddie walks, and regular ol' walks/runs. I participated in the 10k about three years prior during the Year of the Rabbit and again a couple weeks ago for the Horse. Many folks enjoy returning yearly for the full 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Lots of vendors in the festival area, including local school programs, community clubs, electrolyte packs, chewy vitamins, Yakult, and street food with grilled and chilled offerings. Parking the day of is no joke, as traffic is limited near the race start. I had to head up to the hilly residential areas for a spot. Lion dance and firecrackers were set for the 5k at 8am, while the 10k started about 45 minutes after. Even though it's been three years since I ran this, I still remember the hills. Sometimes I'd be Kate Bush-ing it while other times taking a much-needed breather. Passing through Elysian Park and grazing the edge of Dodger Stadium, there will eventually be a downward slope along with one or two more uphill battles before heading back to Chinatown. The finisher medal matches the shirt design of a horse with antlers that burns, burns, burns in a ring of fire. In addition, we get an apple, a banana, a bag of chips, a bottle of water, and if you're early enough some of Ohtani's Syncron. Alas! it had all but ran out by the time I reached the finish line. Overall, it's a fun run with good vibes from fellow runners and the local community. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Immortal lion dance - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Firecracker 10K & 5K is such an incredible annual event and a true community favorite. What makes it even more special is that the proceeds go back into the local community, which is something I genuinely appreciate and support. That's actually what originally got me into participating -- knowing it benefits the area makes it so much more meaningful. It's truly a family event. There's something for everyone -- a cycling event, 5K, 10K, kids' run, and even a dog-friendly event. The energy is always positive, well-organized, and welcoming for all fitness levels. It has become a family favorite for us, and we look forward to it every year. Highly recommend getting involved -- whether you're racing, riding, walking, or just cheering others on. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Firecrackers - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This weekend I participated in the annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker 50 mile bike ride and 10k. This was my first time doing this event and it was SO much fun. Saturday was the bike ride. I got to Chinatown at 6:30 a.m., found a good parking spot, and made my way to the start line. There were lots of riders and everyone was pumped. I've never biked 50 miles in one day and wanted to make sure I was up for the challenge and the best physical condition possible, so I started training in November. I worked out with my Peloton riding about 35-40 miles a week and my trainer turned me on to a bike group that rides every weekend from Marina Del Rey to Malaga Cove Plaza, grab a bite to eat/coffee and head back. I'm not used to riding on the street, avoiding potholes and riding with hundreds of people around me. I had to be really aware of my surroundings so as not to cause an accident, hurt anyone or get hurt. The course itself was challenging with a good mix of bike path, bike lanes and urban streets riding parallel to the 5 and 134 freeways. The start line was in Chinatown, and took you through Griffith Park, the Warner Bros Studio, through the Verdugo Mountains, Montrose and LA River bike path back to Chinatown. The event was very well organized with rest breaks and volunteers handing out water (it was so HOT) and snacks. There were also volunteers along the route to help out in case you had a flat tire or other bike issue but thankfully, I had no issues. I finished but it took me approximately 3.5 hours and it was really hot so I downed water by the gallons. My baby sister joined me, and she did great. Sunday was the 10k and although I got to Chinatown early, parking was challenging because there were thousands of people there - I regretted not taking the train. I was so stiff from the bike ride the day before that I just walked the 10k, but it was fine because I love to walk and finished in about 2.5-3 hours. The start to this event was like a party: there were firecrackers, Chinese dragon dancers, the local boy scout and girl scout troops were out cheering everyone on - I really enjoyed the event. It's a unique way to see LA and feel invested in the city. The money from the registration goes to support the local elementary schools, community organizations, programs and services and animal welfare programs - all worthwhile causes that I completely support. At the conclusion of the race, you got a medal and a cool swag bag with commemorative t-shirts. I would absolutely participate in this event again. It was a good experience, very well organized and I was proud of myself for finishing each event. read more

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This was my second 5k race; it's also my zodiac sign. Registration pickup for my bib/race package was in a parking lot. The day of the race was a total mess! I didn't even know where the start line was. There were no signs directing runners to the start line; mind you, there were different starting times for timed and non-timed runners. I asked another runner, but he didn't know either, and there weren't any volunteers I could ask! Moreover, another runner asked me where the start line was, and I told him I had no clue! We were both lost; however, we both found it on time, with no help! Medal and t-shirt were ugly and tacky. Paid: $55.00 Timed- FYI: They don't email your timed results. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I participated in the LA Firecracker 50 mile bike ride this year and it was awesome!!! The swag is so cute! And the medal is so cool! Registering was easy as well. I plan on getting all 12 zodiac medals! read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The LA Chinatown Firecracker Run was established in 1978 and is an annual running event centered around Broadway Street in Chinatown. It consists of a 5k walk, a 5k and 10k run, a kiddie run, a cycling run, and even a dog walk. Before our 5k run there was a national anthem singer, lighting of firecrackers, and a lion dance show. The run was challenging with some inclines but very fun. More importantly, it was a relaxed environment and no one was really too serious or competitive about their time. The route for our run went past Dodger Stadium so we got to see some nice sights along the way. At the end of the race we got a medal, a shirt, and some other goodies. It was a fun time and it's always nice to get some good exercise in a positive environment. There was even a DJ and a beer garden so the vibes were great. This event is something I would attend every year! read more

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It's a great chaotic event with lots to see and experience. The 5K/10K event is a great primer for the upcoming LA Marathon after this event. And where else can you hear firecrackers going off, and a real Lion/Dragon performance with lotsa noise and Lunar New Year activities. read more

After running the Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K every year since 1981, I've decided not to run this race anymore. I wrote a letter to the board committee explaining that race was not a great value anymore. They did not respond to my letter. Today, I received an email inviting me to enter the race with a $5.00 early discount code. I went online to check out the prices. I run virtually to avoid the crowds during COVID. They increased the fee for virtual runner to $63.00. Also, the processing fee to run virtually is higher $4.78. There's no discount for seniors and alumni runners. Especially, someone like me who paid to run the race 42 consecutive years. Sad to say goodbye. It's time to explore a different race that offers value to their runners. DJ's rating: .20/5.00 Would I run this race again? No. read more

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This is always a fun run for us! We've participated 5-6 different years recently. I think I'd do it every year if I were in town on the date. It's usually one month before the LA marathon and always falls on a long run day for me which is something to consider. Most running the marathon need to hit 20-22 miles this weekend so I do feel finishing times may reflect that as they aren't usually so quick (could have to do with the hills as well) I don't love hills but I love when they come down. This past weekend we had a small corporate group in attendance and my son. My son and I are typically fairly competitive with short runs and I always want us in the top 3 (preferably 1st, much easier accomplished in my age group than his) but this Sunday we agreed to run it slow as both of us have very important things coming up this week and just wanted a relaxing jog together as our last little hometown 5k together. Surprisingly, I made 3rd and him 8th in our age groups which we found hilarious. I was practically walking some moments. While it's a lovely fun run, it's not crazy competitive. We arrive a few minutes before the start and pick up our bibs same day, this is always really straight forward and easy. I did notice the wait time for restrooms was also much better this year! I'm not sure how many registrants they had but we enjoyed ourselves as we always do. Thank you so much to the volunteers. I will note, a vehicle made its way onto the course which was extremely concerning. I feel they really need to ensure the safety of all participants from nut jobs in LA. Nowadays these types of occurrences really need to be prevented. Other than this incident things were fun as per the usual. Paid parking lots ranging from $10-$20 can be located in the area and minimal street parking which tends to fill up early. I treat races like flights. I never arrive to a race early, I like arriving with a couple of minutes if that to spare until start, running and leaving nearly immediately following the finish to grab brekke. Happy New Year all! Wishing you a beautiful year filled with countless moments of happiness. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - just a little morning shakeout yet somehow made 3rd place, too funny! Always a fun time. Next stop LA Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a non-profit community event that's been around awhile. The hills around Elysian Park come alive with runners a few weeks following Lunar New Year. If you love running hills, this 10k is for you. Can't say I enjoy those hills but I seem to come back except these past few years it went virtual. Besides the 10k, they have a 5k option, a bike ride, and doggy walk. The latter 2 take place on Saturday while the 5k/10k on Sunday. The 5k starts first and the 10k at 8:40. I don't know why the longer race has to start later. If you pick up your bib on the Saturday between 10am-2pm, you get a small take-out box of noodles. Race day pickup is available. This year's registration came with a clear drawstring bag. Not sure if contents were the same for all bags but mine contained some knicknacks that could have been from the neighboring gift storesa: a deck of "Los Angeles" playing cards, a "California" pot holder with matching keychain, and a folding fan (made in Taiwan). This year's shirt was another soft cotton/polyester blend in light green with small Year of the Rabbit design at the upper left and Firecracker logo on the right sleeve. Previous year's designs were bigger. My one disappointment was they were out of bananas at the finish line. For those who care about accuracy of mileage, this isn't a true 10k (6.2 miles) but closer to 6 miles. As far as finish line festivities, Angel City Brewery provided the beer for the garden while the DJ provided the tunes. Not in the same area but there was boba on site for purchase next to the special chili oil for sale. They had samples of this oil if you asked. Now if you asked me, I would rather have complimentary boba milk tea instead of beer after the race. If you don't get there early enough for free street parking, among various lots, there is a big lot behind ABC Seafood between Spring & New High that is $4 (weekend price) paid when parking attendant is present. They were not present when we arrived in the morning so it's possible to not have to pay if you leave before the attendant arrives. The area got our business for lunch: dim sum and NOLA food! See ya next year, Firecracker! read more

What a fun run! I did the 5k and there were quite a bit of festive things to do. The route has huge hills so be warned it can get pretty rough on your knees and is fairly inclined. Tons of vendors after finishing the race to go checkout. Parking sucks as usual in LA. I ended up parking on the streets nearby but there are plenty of random lots charging $10-$20 per car. I'd be open to doing it again next year! read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Firecracker run - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The year of the dragon is my third time participating in the LA Chinatown Firecracker Run and I plan to continue until I get all 12 zodiac medals! I have participated as a runner for both 5k and 10k races, volunteered for the kiddie race, and hosted a booth through work sponsorship. Event: The Firecracker Run takes place annually during the Lunar New Year festivity. It is organized by a group of volunteers and proceeds from the Firecracker are reinvested to local community schools and non-profits. It draws a large and diverse crowd, attracting 35k spectators and 10k participants. The event takes place in two days. Saturday: Bike (20 or 50 miles), PAW'er walk (dogs), chow mein carb loading, and bib pick-up. Sunday: 5k run/walk, 10k run/walk, and kiddie run. There is an opening ceremony with MC/DJ, singing, firecrackers, and lion dancing prior to the race. The 5k starts at 8 a.m., 10k at 8:40 a.m., kiddie races at 9:45/55. 10k: The run starts off flat as you run through Chinatown to the traditional beats of Chinese drums. Shortly after, the course turns into ascending hills as you run next to Elysian park. When you run to the top, there is a nice view of DTLA and the mountains. As you descend, you will pass by the dodged stadium and the LAPD academy. This time around I noticed these small abandoned/boarded/graffiti houses by the academy. I learned from a runner that these houses are used for training various crime scenarios. Keep running and you will pass by the 110 freeway, and finally, you will hear the beating drums to the finish line. I recommend the 10k over the 5k for the scenery and challenge. After the races are over, there is a beer garden hosted by Angel City brewery. Participants age 21+ race get one free beer. You can also walk around to explore the expo booths or kids can enjoy a small carnival shortly after the kiddie race. They did not have a boba garden this year and theu got rid of the minimal t-shirt design during year of the rabbit. The t-shirts are back to the big zodiac designs and medals are nicely designed. Tips: To avoid road blockage and difficulty finding parking, take the Metro Gold Line and exit Chinatown. Firecracker is conveniently located right off the exit. Unfortunately, the Metro still feels sketchy compared to pre-pandemic. You can take precaution by driving to a Metro station that is a few exits away from Chinatown, it seemed like most runners did this. They also provide free bag check-in when you show your Metro card. You can pickup your bib and goodie bag the day before the race, explore the expo booths and carb load with free chowmein. I didn't have an issue with picking up my bibs on the same day of the race in the past (year of rat and rabbit), but this year the lines were really long and they ran out of the goodie bags. I was really lucky because where I stood in line there were only two bibs available after I picked mine up. All the races were sold out this year within a few days before race day. Train, eat right, stretch, and warm-up before the race! Especially if you are doing the 10k, it is pretty much hills the first few miles. I consider myself fit, but I am not a runner. So my legs were pretty sore afterwards. If you prefer longer runs, you can register for the combined 5k and 10k run, making it a 15k race. My husband did that one year. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Year of the dragon t-shirt and medal - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great community event in historic Chinatown. Registration was smooth and received my swag backpack with my Year of the Rabbit tee shirt. Luckily we parked close enough to put our bags away. Parking is approximately $20 so carpool because close lots fill up. Dress warn because it's darn cold in the morning. This is my second year participating. Last year during the pandemic shutdown, our friends coordinated a virtual run choosing a local trail. So this year, I was more than excited to check out this race in person. The 10K trek which seemed to be uphill mostly, was a challenge. The view of the city skyline was a unique vantage point. The path took us past Dodger stadium and back down again to the historic touristy streets of Chinatown. Our group planned to meet afterwards for dim sum and a visit to Chinese bakeries for more yummy treats. Recomme.d making reservations if you are a group larger than 4. This is a well organized cultural event with the Lion dancers and firecrackers although difficult to see unless you are right up front at the starting line. Note: I saw port-a-potties only in the beginning and not at all throughout the route! There is a park about halfway with public restrooms. Messy but better than nothing. Of course, throughout the race, photographers and volunteers passing out water cups were present. Will definitely participate as the unique views are worth the hike and the reward at the end, dimsum makes this pretty much a whole day event. read more

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First time running this event (2023)! I participated because as a part of my employer's wellness initiative, they paid for our registrations. I'm a runner -- so take my runs quite seriously (if there is money involved). The pros: - super cool location; I don't normally hang out in Chinatown - if you got there early, there was complimentary street parking. ($15 lots otherwise) - easy to pick up bib - lots of porta potties -- THANK YOU! a race that FINALLY gets it! I never had to queue for more than three or four minutes. What a relief! - ample water, fruit and FORTUNE COOKIES at the finish line! yum! The not so good: - yo... if you're going to be walking, don't start in the first fifteen "rows" of runners. Like.. out of respect. Your time does not start until you cross the mat! Weaving around walkers was TOUGH. Too many walkers in the running wave. (And I was near the front of the running wave). 2023: 21/100 read more

First time running this race in 2020 in the year of the Rat. I have heard about the race from friends for years but finally decided to run it this year. I lived in Chinatown for a stint as a kid so I feel like I have a connection to the community and this race. Another kicker was that a friend I haven't seen in who knows how long would be handing out medals at the finish. I opted for the 10K knowing it's a challenging course because of the hills. The hills were no joke. It was a steady climb through the 1st 3 miles but the 2H of the race was joyfully fast. I was surprised how scenic it was at the top of Elysian Park. The views were great though I was panting too hard to really enjoy them. I picked up my bib race morning so I arrived before 8 for the 8:45 start but I think I missed the opening ceremony (the 5K starts at 8:00). There were street parking available but I had to walk about 10 minutes to get to the starting area. As I got close, I was surprised at the size of the crowd. This is a bigger race than I expected. There were no apparent signs directing me to the bib pickup so I had to ask someone. The bib pick-up was a breeze. The shirt and the bag were also given to you at the same time. The shirt was the soft cotton/poly blend, my favorite material for T's. They offer a bag drop directly across the street. I was concerned with the long queue but I clocked the total time in line at 5 minutes. The volunteers were so efficient and dedicated! I was able to see my friend handing out medals at the finish and meet up with friends running the race. We squeezed up to near the front. But as I got close to the start, there were lion dancers so I had to pull out my phone to take a few shots before crossing over the timing strip. Very festive start for sure. There was no corrals so the start is chaotic with many slower runners and walkers to zig zag around near the start. But at no point was it too congested. For the most part the runners thinned out after the 1st mile. Along the course, the water stations were manned with many volunteers providing water and Nuun. Street crossings were manned with police cars holding back traffic. Crowd support only existed near the finish, maybe the last 1/3 mile. But it was a loud and festive finish. At the finish line, bananas, apple puree, cracker, water and, of course, fortune cookies were handed out. The best part was receiving my medal from my friend! After catching up with everyone at the finish, I picked up my bag which took a second. Did I say the bag drop volunteers rock? I then walked over to Won Kok to pick up some dim sum to go and I was on my way home. Okay one think I must point out is that I believe the course was short by 0.2 mile. My Garmin clocked my run at 5.99 mile. My splits throughout the race seemed correct so I'm pretty certain it wasn't a GPS issue on my end. I then checked the Strava results and saw most runners were short also. I appreciate the extra boost to my official pace but I hope the race correct this issue for next year. So the medals have the zodiacs for each lunar year and it sure would be cool to have the entire collection (of 12). Guess I'll be coming back! read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Having spent the last several months of sedentary study writing my dissertation, when my bride reminded me last weekend that we were signed up for Firecracker... I have to admit I wasn't very excited about it. As much as I enjoy a good 10K or half, I have done zero training for a race so no matter what, parts of this were gonna suck. Or then, maybe it's just a state of mind: laughing at the psycho runner-people who love to get together and talk about race culture; walking when it feels right; running when you can push it; enjoying the scenery, keeping stress low. And so this morning, we hopped on the Gold Line and got off at the Chinatown station, less than a block from the starting line. The skies were clear and cold, and somehow the runner lunks weren't here-- just good people going for a run together. Even though the t-shirt and medal featured some lame logo of a cartoon pig in a space helmet, this was a fun race. The route boasted hills and definitely delivered-- snaking up into Elysian Park, around Dodger stadium, and back down to Chinatown. The recent rains had everything verdant and green, which made for a beautiful run. People were kind to each other and mike markers and water stations were clearly marked. A few more ports potties along the route would have been helpful. I'm definitely a little sore, pushing my chubby butt to run/walk a decent pace and pattern. But all told, it was a nice time, and I'll hope that next year has a cooler medal and logo. read more

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Love, love, love this event. Yeah, it has its hiccups, but what large scale event doesn't? The course is great, festivities are incredible, and the food takes everything over the top. As a native Angeleno, this is an event I look forward to all year. You'll run through Chinatown, up to Dodger Stadium,the fire academy, and make your way back. You'll see parts of LA that you won't normally see. Who doesn't want that? On top of that you get a great opening ceremony, groups cheering you on, good music, a cute medal, and a beer at the end. Not a bad way to spend your morning. Love doing this and will be back again next year. Gong hei fat choy! read more

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The Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5k, 10k, and Biking is an annual event. It usually comes around February/March depending on the Lunar Chinese New Year. Gosh, I feel so fortunate to celebrate two New Years every year. Shouldn't I also celebrate two Birthdays too? LOL. The problem is I would not know when my second birthday will be because the Lunar Calendar changes every year, just like the Lunar New Year always changes too! I'm simply grateful to be an American born Chinese boy. =P Now going back to the Firecracker Run, it's an annual event that is seemingly becoming more popular. It seems more crowded as I see families, social networking groups, singles, the handicapped, etc, participating. Very awesome indeed! The Firecracker organization seems well organized. The cost for the Run also increases every year. I remember when it was $25, and now it's $60. Well, regardless of the cost... it's for good security, planning expenses, and I assume to its administration. I'm not sure if the Firecracker Run benefits any particular societies to help the needy. The 5k and 10k (2 loops) is a fun loop around Chinatown going up the Elysian Park area towards Dodgers Stadium. It's very Los Angeles! Everybody participating in this run is usually friendly. No hard feelings regardless of how fast or slow you run. Not much training is needed as the run is leisure unless you're timing yourself. The most difficult part is probably running up Stadium Way, which is an incline. But it's all good. There are water stations all around. Police patrols are frequent to ensure safety. At the end of the run, you'll get a medal, and plenty of freebies to replenish your body. Oh, you'll also get a free t-shirt after you sign up. Have fun! read more

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We all have that friend who asks to run, who asks to go to the gym, who asks to go on that insane 8-mile hike. I USUALLY am that friend... But running is a different story because I am in no means a runner. So like most invitations to 5ks, I was hesitant. It was early in the morning. The cool air was blowing over Chinatown while I struggled to pin my tracking number onto my shirt. "I'm nervous," I tell my boyfriend. Three miles in the mind of a non-runner is three times worst than that mile they make you do in gym class on your freshmen year. But here I was, grouped with thousands of people also nervous for the run ahead of them. We walk closer up to the starting line to meet some friends and hear all the crackling happening from the mini intro they did to ring in the LA Chinatown Firecracker runs. Smoke's filling the air, chatter is all around, and all I could feel is the comfort of my favorite pair of nike shoes. The gun went off and the massive crowd began moving. Running on the smooth gravel and seeing this part of LA not through a car but through the movement of my feet was something else. We were heading uphill towards the Dodger Stadium and rounding the corner right back to College Street. The 5k crowd cheering on the 10k crowd as we cross paths. It was exhilarating, inspiring, and admiring to be drowned in such a great community supporting one another just for the sake of accomplishing some miles together. Little did I know that I'd pass my boyfriend and friends as I challenged myself to run uphill. It was a personal achievement that I've always told myself I would do but was always too nervous to because this whole running thing was never my cup of tea! But here I was, seeing the finish line just some feet away from me and my best friend by my side as we sprinted to the finish line. That medal was such a sweet representation of doing something simply because I can. Got a beer, enjoyed the Photo Booth, and danced the rest of the morning away. It's a good feeling when you realize how much control you have to make this year, any year.. Your year. Just because you want to. Do something you've never done. Challenge yourself and feel proud about proving yourself and anyone else wrong. A 5k sounds very simple but it's the little successes that make the bigger picture all that more successful. As we drove back home my boyfriend says, "So, when's our next one?" Ready. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K run has become an annual tradition for me the last few years! Started with the 5K a few years ago, but switched over to the 10K the last three years. It's an awesome community event since its proceeds benefit local elementary schools and non-profit community organizations. Yes, the 10K is definitely way more challenging and more hilly than the 5K, but the 10K offers breathtaking views of Dodger Stadium, Downtown L.A., Glendale, and Mount Wilson. The rewarding views at the top are worth the pain going up the hills of Elysian Park. The 5K is way too short of a run, considering that you're paying a fee to run, an activity you can do for free in your own neighborhood. Still however, Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K remains one of the most reasonably-priced runs at a low cost of about $35/participant if you register early. Definitely love the souvenir shirt as well as the race medal! Can't wait to have all 12 race medals to represent each of the animals of the zodiac. If you are available the day before the race to pick up your race bib and goodie bag, definitely pick up your bib and bag Saturday. Bib pickup on race day Sunday is very chaotic and crowded. There were no lines when we picked up our bib and bag Saturday, plus we got to enjoy some of performances offered at the festival Saturday. Also, it's a good idea to bring your own water for the race. As other Yelp friends have noted, it would be nice to have additional water stations on the 10K route. Another tip for race organizers is to do different waves at the start line. Over the years, the number of participants has steadily grown, and it's way too crowded at the start of the race as well as on the narrow hilly sections of the 10K. In the interest of safety, I'm still wishing for wave starts so that the participants are more evenly spaced throughout the course. 11/100 Reviews for 2017 read more

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This is always a fun race! Seems like it gets bigger and bigger each year. There is a 20/40 mile bike ride, 5K, 10K, kiddie run and dog walk. Make sure to sign up early to ensure the best entrance fees. You can save almost double by registering early. The running route is kinda hilly, be aware of that. Don't forget to watch the firecrackers right before the start of the 5K. Lots of volunteers and support staff. Great vendors and samples. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Happy Year of the - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My wife and I have been doing this race for last 15 years and it truly is one of the best around. I used to joke that once I had one of each shirt I'd stop but now I need to go for two of each. We now have our kids participating with us. It's a family tradition that we all look forward to. From the race shirts which always have great designs and are high quality to the beer garden at the end. This event is great!! And we always head to dim sum after just to make sure we don't lose too many calories from the run. The course is great with views of downtown and taking you right up to Dodgers stadium it's an unbeatable day. The post race give aways are pretty solid and the beer garden is always fun. This year we had the pleasure of meeting one of the organizers and a legacy racer who had done it ever year and helped found the race. Can't wait to do it any next year. read more

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I have always hated running... I need to do it, but not a fan, and yet I have been coming to this event for maybe the last 8+ years! Its that good of an event! It is well run (get it- run?)... lol anyways, I have never had any issues signing up for the race, getting my swag, not knowing where to run on the course. The only issue is the beer tent (yes I know your looking for reviews on the running and I'm complaining about the beer... but I did say I wasn't fan of running right and I demand beer afterwards ..lol). Every year the beer line is ridiculously long and they have run out of beer before you get your free beer after the race. Once they get this figured out I will have absolutely nothing to complain about (besides the hills). The course is tough! You're either going up or down hill, there is not flat ground. The 10k will take you to the top of LA with great views to distract you from the pain along the way. The 5k will take you Dodger stadium but its still hilly. It may be a tough run, and most people walk the hills, but it's fun! They have water stops, taiko and music bands along the way to distract you from the running pain. The day before the race you can pick up your bib, swag and free carbo load of noodles all while enjoying the day long Chinese New Year celebration. The race itself starts with 100k? firecrackers being lit with dragon dancers dancing around AWESOME!!!! There is also a bike race the day before the run but I have yet to do that one. Also the day before is a Pawer walk for dogs! Even the dogs get little shirts and medals awesome! Parking initially seems tough, but there are a lot of garages and a huge dirt lot east of the metro line to park, so while it seems tough its actually not bad especially if you are able to go the day before to pick your bib ect so you don't have to walk back to the car race day. Also the metro stop is right there and you can take the train. Its a fun run and event! I wanted to knock it down a star because of the beer tent but I just couldn't... well mayyybeeee, no, I will give them one more year to figure it out before I knock a star off. I recommend this event! read more

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So many reasons that this 5k is the BEST in the LA area. Second time running it this morning and let me tell you, it ROCKS! Why, you ask? FIRECRACKERS Yep. And dancing dragons. MEDALS The medals are the bomb. First of all, everyone that finishes gets one and they are not some cheap little medals, let me tell you. They are solid metal and each year are emblazoned with the appropriate animal for the Lunar New Year (thus, a sheep this year.) FREE BEER That's right, if you are over 21 and participate in a race, you get free beer. GREAT GOODY BAG and T-SHIRT and REFRESHMENTS Very nice and full of freebies. GREAT PRESENTERS Bruce Lee's daughter, the Clippers girls, the UCLA a cappellla women's choir Random Voices singing the Star-Spangled Banner....they all got great applause....and various random politicians that no one really cared about.... AWESOME VIEWS Downtown LA seen from the top of Elysian Park. GREAT VOLUNTEERS Friendly, helpful. DRUMS Cheering you on your way! Okay, the course is very challenging for a 5k with lots of uphills. I overheard several kids saying how hard it was so I didn't feel so bad huffing and puffing at my advanced age! You most likely will not get a personal best time on this run. But you will have fun. Get there early to find a free meter (always free on Sundays!) read more

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I always knew about this fun run for many years but never participated because I was never a serious runner. My girl is becoming a fanatic runner so I tag along now to participate in these events. The entry price is worth every cent with the fun atmosphere, shirt, goodies, and one's self worth after passing the finish line. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Cool pig shirt - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This race & event was pretty cool, I ran the 10k with those brutal hills during the first 2 and 1/2 miles. Despite second guessing myself & going through an adrenaline dump & fatigue through the beginning of the race once you get to the top of that hill & see the view of the city you get a second wind (along with the assist of running down hill) & boost in confidence to keep pushing through & finish the race strong. The pre & post race event were great as well, I came in Saturday to pick up my race packet & it was a breeze all the volunteers were very helpful. To avoid the hassle of parking I took the metro link there, the race was right up the street from the Chinatown stop on the Gold Line & for everyone that had their ticket or Tap card to show that they took the Metro the Firecracker Run event offered baggage check free of charge. Overall it was a great experience, the race, the goodie bag, the shirt, the medal, the free beer from Angel City Brewery (which isn't that far from China town you should check that place out.) I can't wait to do it again next year. Since I've seen others do it I'll post my results too. 10k time 47:31 Pace 7:38 per mile Place 127/2471 Faster than I expected since I power walked a few hills. read more

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This was my first paid run, and I have to admit that it was a very interesting experience. As a matter of fact, the more I think about this event, the more positive thoughts about it I seem to have. As an avid runner, I've always been really hesitant about paying to do something I do so often already. But after years of my boyfriend convincing me to try it, I finally caved. The 10K Race: WHAT THE HILL, MAN?!?!?! Those were pretty nasty hills. Even as an avid runner, I was not really prepared for hills like that, haha! (Better train myself harder next time.) Also, be safe during the run by watching out for runners/walkers around you, drinking water whenever you need and see it (there are a few pit stops for water along the path), and digging deep to push through but resting when you seriously need it! The scenery is absolutely beautiful once you get to the top of the hills. Take in the glory of L.A.! When you near the finish line, the beautiful and powerful sounds of the Taiko drums magically encourages you to finish strong! Suggestion 1: If possible, pre-register and pick up your goodie-bad and shirt on the day before the race (day 1). Race day (day 2) is too crowded! Bike Ride's on the 1st day, and the 5K/10K/ and Kiddie Run are on the 2nd day. If you pick up your stuff on day 1, you can stay to check out the Firecracker Festival performances and booths as well. Favorite performance (Kodama Taiko drums! Suggestion 2: Parking...Parking on race day is horrible. Come early for free parking on N. Spring along the road. However, there is also a $5 parking lot REALLY close to the event...it's worth it! Better yet, take the metro! read more

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Athletic Friend 1: You should sign up for the LA Firecracker 5K and run it with us. Come on, it'll be fun! Me: But I'll be recovering from foot surgery. Athletic Friend 2: The medal is really cool this year because it's the 40th anniversary. We are collecting all the medals and each year it's a different zodiac animal. Athletic Friend 1: It's only a Run/Walk so you can walk it if you want to. My friends talked me into running a 5K in Chinatown 7.5 weeks after having my second foot surgery. I succumbed to peer pressure. I did calculate how much time in between I'd have to get back into the gym and train. Yeah, I had about a week or so to run on the treadmill. Luckily, a 5K is only 3.1 miles. What they didn't tell me was that the course was hilly, as in SF type of hills. At least I made the effort to build up stamina in the gym on the elliptical and bike while my foot was recovering. I don't think I would have been able to run it otherwise. Yes, I did run it; I did walk up one or two of the hills but for the most part I ran. The cool thing about the LA Firecracker weekend is that it is both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, they have the bike races and on Sunday, they have the foot races (5K, 10K, Kids Fun run). We woke up bright and early on Sunday morning and made the trek from Orange County to Los Angeles. My friends drove and we found parking at a meter which happens to be free on Sundays. There is event parking nearby which is $10 per car in case you didn't find parking on the street. At the start line, they had some morning entertainment in the form of a DJ, UCLA women's acapella group Random Voices (Go Bruins!), and a Lion Dance. Prior to the start of the race, they light up the firecrackers. The Firecracker weekend usually follows the weekend after the Lunar New Year. This year was the year of the dog so the Finisher's medal had a dog on it along with the race shirts. People even brought their dogs to walk the course with. It was pretty cool. At the finish line, they had fresh fruit, Go-Go squeeze, water, and cold brew coffee. There was a beer tent sponsored by Angel City Brewery with 3 beers to choose from: IPA, Pilsner, and Saazberry. I went with the Saazberry. There were also booths that had food too: Noosa Yogurt, KIND Bars, a place with carnitas, etc. There were also some booths with local sponsors like State Farm. The race was well coordinated. The course was hilly and I thought a tad short. When I finished, my phone and watch clocked 3 miles so I was still missing a tenth of a mile somewhere. For the price, it was a good race to do. I'd consider doing it again next year. read more

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What a fun race! Every year, a 5k and 10k race is held in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Hundreds of people show up, either to participate in the run or to be a spectator / cheerleader. The course has some hills to climb. It is an interesting route with a water station. The event is well organized. After the race, there are vendors and beer garden to peruse or partake. read more

LA Chinatown Firecracker - Busy on the streets - Races & Competitions Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I never really had the need to visit Chinatown. However this race has finally brought me back here. I haven't been here since I was maybe a 9 year old kid with my parents. I have now run the 10k for the past two years and thinking it might be a nice tradition to continue. *Bib/shirt pickup* The bike rides are on Saturday. You can pickup up your bib and shirt on Saturday instead of race day. That's what I usually do since I don't like the possibility of being stressed out before a race. They also give out a small portion of chow mein in a take-out container to "carbo-load"... I would need about 10 of those servings to put a dent in my appetite. *Race day stuff* They have race day gear check for those that take the Metro to the race. You'll need to show them your TAP card or your rail ticket. They have a pretty nice new year celebration before the start of the 5k which involves a dragon dance and a lot of loud firecrackers. Be sure not to stand down wind. There will be a lot of smoke from the firecrackers! *The course* I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It is a difficult course. Please do your hill training if you decide to run this race. Pretty much the first half is all uphill. Just keep in mind that what goes up has to come down, so the second half is mostly downhill. If you run smart in the first half, you can kill it in the second half. Overall, it's a decent race even though it's more of a timed fun run for most participants. You'll have walkers lining up in the front, so you'll need to watch out if you're planning to race it. Other than that, it's a fairly well organized event and there's a decent beer garden afterwards. I plan to run this race every year as long as I'm in town. read more

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Super fun, well organized. Something for everyone. Will be participating again next year and bringing more people with me.

My second year of doing this Firecracker 10K run and I have always enjoyed it. The hills. The killer hills. It feels like forever. But it made me euphoric at the end of the race. The view. Amazing! And don't forget to stop and take pictures unless you're running to set a new PR time. The medal. Welcome to the medal whore world. It's a collection! The goodie bag and the shirt. It's all good. The after race shenanigans. Socialize or not,get those free bagels and gu gels. It didn't rain and the dark clouds were just following us for a good luck reason. I will do this again! read more

Great race! The course is a hilly one so it was a nice challenging start! Lots of water and Gatorade stations along the way. Great views of the city. The medals, T-shirts and bags were really nice quality with a kick-ass design this year. I picked up my swag bag on bike race day which is a day before the run. It seemed like there were more vendors and entertainment than on the 10K day. But it was still fun regardlessly. This was my first firecracker race and I loved it. I will definitely try to do it every year until I collect a complete set of the zodiacs medals! Best part of the race for me: on the way back I got to see the kiddies run and man that was such a cute site! read more

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Loved both the 40 mile bike ride and the 10K! I wanted to participate in the Firecracker this year because I was born in the year of the dog and I just couldn't resist the cute medal and t-shirt! The bike ride was well organized with a generally well-marked course with many route marshalls riding along. The 40 mile course is somewhat hilly with 2000+ feet of elevation gain. The first hill comes at you only half a mile into the ride on a narrow street, which I was not a fan of. The rest of the route takes you through Pasadena and Sierra Madre and Arcadia. A lot of it is through residential neighborhoods, but occasionally take have to ride on some pretty busy streets. At times, I felt like I was getting stuck at every traffic light! My favorite area was riding around the Rose Bowl and past some gorgeous houses! The SAG stops were pretty basic, but let's face it, I was super spoiled with pizza at the stops at the Tour de Palm Springs. However, unlike the TdPS, I saw many SAG vehicles driving around providing assistance to the riders which was a huge plus! The next day I talked my mom into joining me at the run. Apparently, she is also a sucker for medals and did the 5K, while I did the 10K. The first half of the 10K is HILLY. When I say hilly, I mean, it was all uphill. You're rewarded with amazing views of the city though if you care to stop for a selfie. I, on the other hand, was looking forward to the downhill and booked it coming back. Somehow I managed to PR with a time of 59:29 (granted, I rarely run 10Ks). My only complaint would be the line to pick up our bags from gear check following the run. I think we waited in line for 30+ minutes to get our bag which is ridiculous. One of my friends also had problems getting her bib in the morning - she was unfortunate enough to have a line that took nearly an hour when other people walked right up to the table and got theirs in two seconds. Both days I took the metro goldline in and it was a breeze. I'm not sure if I can keep this up for another 11 years to collect all the zodiac animals, but it will be fun to try! read more

I have worked in the behind-the-scenes programming in the past and I have to say that the entertainment of the two day event is on-point, diverse and entertaining. It truly captures the spirit of the diversity of LA and I truly recommend folks to come out with their family. But this year is the first time I actually ran the event. I did the 5k (which is roughly around 3 miles) and it was amazingly fun tho challenging. Flat surface, 3 miles is cake. Now add hills to the mix? Wow. What a booty-shaping workout. So if you are planning to do the 5k and the 10k, make sure you practice on hills. Overall, the experience is something I would easily want to add as a "Yearly Ritual" in my life. I would love to collect each of the Chinese zodiac sign medals. Btw, the gift packs they gave away this year were AWESOME! Ok, sure I got flyers for upcoming races, snacks from sponsors, a package of brown rice. What I love were the shirts and the backpacks. Both have different graphics but the color and the designs were slick. I'll be proudly wearing my shirt and pack! read more

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I loved this 20 ml ride it was nice and smooth, very scenic, very organized, and friendly all around! I will definitely be back next year and the ones to follow! See you all next time! ‍‍ read more

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Woohoo! First to review this event in 2017! ;) I participated in the 20 mile bike ride, though there was also a 30 mile one for the cooler kids. Online registration was fairly straightforward and trouble-free. I paid about $35 after an early bird discount code. Of course this meant having to sign up 6 months in advance. It was a wet and early Saturday morning, but I was determined to do this rain or shine! Packet pick-up took place in the modern and spacey Blossom Plaza in the heart of Chinatown. Pre-race festivities were pretty cool; they included an awesome lighting of firecrackers and dragon dances. The course from start to finish was pretty well organized with easy to spot course markers and volunteers placed in prime locations to guide riders. As for course toughness? Moderate at best. But then again, I'm in pretty good shape :) The gradual changes in elevation were forgiving and the rain letting up during the start of the ride really helped. We rode through a mix of streets and bike paths and my only complaint is with the crappy quality of LA's streets. Keep a keen eye out for the numerous road imperfections that include potholes and cracks. I thought this ride was a great value. I received a medal, a high quality t-shirt, mini lunch, numerous freebies (mostly snacks and samples), and best of all, a cup of beer! Last words: Parking in Chinatown is notoriously horrible, but by arriving 30 minutes before packet pick-up I easily found street parking only a few blocks away and avoided the costly lots. As this is my first one, I'm definitely looking forward to returning for the next one! read more

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Overall I'm willing to do this race again.. even though it was one of the worst races I probably participated in. But it makes up for it with some great pros. This is geared more towards family fun, not competition. Pros: -So many race options! Kids race, 5k, 10k, 20 mile bike ride, 30 mile bike.. -Discount for participating in multiple races -Packet pick up for the runs after your bike ride on Saturday -Carb load meal after bike ride/during packet pick up Saturday (should've had this on Sunday too!) -Cool festival -Them hills man! Best course ever, the hills were neverending. I used to hate hills but after training a bit for them I really enjoyed the challenge. -Enthusiastic volunteers -Cute shirts & medals (wish they sold the super nice bike shirt for a discount though.. $80?) -Slightly shorter than 5k or 10k = better time lol Cons: -Bike ride was not timed -Open bike course, think one of the cyclists got hit by car that day! Scary! -My 10k time did not register for some reason (annoying even though it will probably be my worse 10k time) -The most important turn (turnaround & rest stop) for the 20 mile bike ride was not clearly marked or manned by volunteers -A volunteer I asked did not know where to direct me when I got lost on bike ride (so I ended up doing 30 miles instead of 20 miles, definitely did not train for that and was super sore for the run the next day :() -Way too crowded, both the bike rides & runs should have waves -Difficult to find parking downtown, I paid $5 on Sat, $10 on Sunday (way more crowded Sunday) read more

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This weekend I did all three of their events: 30 mile bike ride on Saturday 5k and 10k on Sunday. I'm no athlete, so I'm incredibly proud that I had the opportunity to (unexpectedly) accomplish that feat this weekend. These events were very well-organized and I had a great time this weekend! The 20 mile bike ride was a flat route directed toward beginners. The majority of the route was on the LA River bike path, which is a beautiful route if you're looking to casually cycle with your family. This route connected Chinatown with Griffith Park. Their 30 mile bike ride was a ride directed toward "advanced" riders and it connected Elysian Park and Griffith Park through the LA River. There were two big hills with an average of a 4-5% incline. One of these was a 3 mile climb at Elysian park, while the other was at Griffith Park. The nice thing about the bike rides were the fact that it was largely downhill for the second half of the ride. There were plenty of signs and volunteers were present to direct you at every critical turn. Awesome planning. They also provided tons of gatorade, oranges, bananas, pretzels, and fortune cookies at the rest stop, which was the halfway point for both the 20 mile and 30 mile rides. My only criticism is that the bike ride was not closed to traffic, which made the last 3 miles of the ride annoying. I did not enjoy having cars narrowly pass me as I was going up an overpass on the home stretch. There were also many potholes in this stretch, which definitely hurts under the pants. One gutter caused my road tire to get stuck, and it threw me off my bike. In the final straightaway to the finish line, I literally had to weave around traffic like a pizza boy in new york. The other thing to be aware of is that the 20 mile ride is pretty densely packed with riders. Because the LA River bike path has one lane, the ride is more of a stroll. So if you want to cycle faster and you think you can safely ascend/descend two steep hills, then the 30 mile ride is definitely the way to go. Not only was it fun to go downhill, but there were beautiful views as well. As for the 5k and 10k races...these were awesome runs. The 5k course is uphill for the first mile and downhill for the next two. You start in chinatown and you run to dodger stadium and back. The hill was not terrible (it was the entrance to the parking lot of dodger stadium) and the long downhill makes this 5k route very fast. After returning back, I (unofficially) ran the 10k to help my friend out. It was definitely much more challenging. You run from chinatown and you go on a steep climb for the first 2.5 miles through Elysian Park. From there, you run to Dodger Stadium and you go downhill to the finish line. The hills are pretty challenging, but if you can make it through the first 2.5 miles, then you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of LA and nice downhill run for the duration. Suck it up and you will get your medal. These races start and finish a block away from the Metro Rail in Chinatown. Due to factors outside of the control of the organizers, the railway was incapacitated for the 5k/10k, which forced hundreds of people to unexpectedly learn the bus system on the fly. If the rail system is intact, then I think it's a great option. But if you must drive, there was plenty of parking available on Saturday. However, you will likely have to pay for parking on Sunday for the 5k/10k if you come after 7am. I will be back next year. I genuinely hope they consider closing at least one lane to traffic next year on the homestretch of the bike ride. (This was scary for younger participants and new riders). Definitely join this race if you want to participate in a well-run event. I'm tired...that's for sure. For now...I've taken the Tiger Balm from my swag bag from my races and I'm loving that the smell of my ancestors is haunting my family. Hope you get that experience next year! read more

The 4th year back to this run and what a wonderful day it was. Mild temperatures, cloud cover, and a (almost) smog free day. This has to be the BEST and most challenging 10k in LA. With a 2 mile incline uphill, great views of DTLA, 110, Dodger Stadium, and Hollywood. Its a great way to bring back festivities and awareness to Chinatown and Lunar New Year. The 5k is not bad, but the views and difficulty isn't there. You run about 1 mile uphill, up to Dodger Stadium and loop back. I highly recommend the 10k. Once you go 10k, you're not looking back. Today was awesome! :D I had a wonderful time, shoutouts to the awesome peeps and DJ Sky at the beer/sake/soju garden. read more