Courtesy photo
By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — The 47th annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker, a 5K/10K run and walk that celebrates Chinese New Year, will take place at the historic Chinatown Plaza March 8-9.
Originally scheduled for Feb. 1-2, the event was postponed due to the L.A. wildfires.
Considered one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S., the two-day L.A. Chinatown Firecracker, this year commemorating the year of the snake, is described as a celebratory event that brings together families, friends, and community members to promote health, fitness, and cultural heritage.
The event includes the Lunar New Year 5K fun and timed run, a 10K timed run, a 1K kiddie run, a 2K dog walk and 20- and 50-mile bike rides.
The races offer a scenic course that takes participants through the streets of several neighborhoods. The run and walk are open to people of all ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive experience. Registered participants have a choice of participating in person or virtually.
The areas involved in this year’s 50-mile bike ride via Chinatown include the L.A. River Bike Trail, Griffith Park, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights.
“We have a bike committee that tests out the routes,” said L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Board President Jennifer Gee. “They go to find the best routes. It’s not always the same route. We want to ensure that participants see all of L.A.”
More than 10,000 participants are expected.
“Some people are running, and some are there for the festivities,” said Gee, a Pasadena native. “We have a lot going on.”
Gee said about 100,000 firecrackers will be lit at the beginning of the race.
“There is no real significance to that number,” she said. “It’s an estimation. There are a ton of strings cascading down the start line. It represents the joyfulness of a celebratory event.”
Gee, who is currently “figuring out the organization’s future and how to draw in younger volunteers to continue the legacy,” said the initial Firecracker event started as a 10K run five decades ago.
“Now, of course, it has grown,” said Gee, whose father was on the Firecracker board of directors for decades. “Our audience has grown. It’s a family-friendly event. Parents will do something; then the kids will do something. There is something for everyone in the family. That’s what our audience is interested in.”
Participants and their guests can enjoy the Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of Chinatown. The post-event festival includes exhibitors, a beer garden, vendors, activities for children and live entertainment, all free to the public.
The runs are approved as USA Track & Field sanctioned events. Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2025 Firecracker race bib, an exclusive collectible finisher’s medal, a limited edition T-shirt (even for registered kids and dogs), a goody bag and more.
Events begin at 8 a.m. March 8 with the 50-mile bike ride, followed by the 20-mile bike ride at 8:20. The dog walk starts at 9 a.m.
On March 9, the 5K run begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K walk at 8:20. The 10K run also starts at 8:20, followed by the 10 K walk at 8:40. The 1K kiddie run begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by a kids zone with carnival games, face painting, a petting zoo, arts and crafts activities, puppet shows and more.
The Chinatown Firecracker is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, a group of volunteers who donate time and energy to organize and stage events and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, cultural awareness, support education and encourages community participation.
Proceeds are reinvested in the community with services and programs that benefit elementary schools and local nonprofit organizations.
Information: firecracker10k.org.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
