Firecracker 5K for the Troops presented by Leidos

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic stride at the Firecracker 5K for the Troops presented by Leidos, taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in vibrant Reston, VA. This beloved annual 5K race, starting and finishing in the heart of Reston Town Center, is renowned for its lively atmosphere and its meaningful support of active duty military members and their families through USO-Metro. Participants can expect typical race day conditions in early July to see highs around 88F and lows around 66F, with a 14% chance of precipitation, so prepare for a warm, spirited run.

The course itself is a fair challenge, featuring rolling hills with a total elevation gain of approximately 91 feet, making it generally not too difficult. Runners will begin with a gentle uphill north of Reston Town Center, navigate down Reston Parkway before another ascent, and enjoy a "completely downhill" section on Sunrise Hills Road. The route then flattens along Town Center Parkway before a few more turns and a gradual uphill push to the finish line, where cheering crowds add to the excitement. A water stop is conveniently located around Mile 2 to help runners stay hydrated.

Beyond the course, the Firecracker 5K for the Troops distinguishes itself with a strong sense of community and purpose. All pre-registered participants receive a commemorative race shirt, a unique bib, a one-of-a-kind medal, post-race snacks, free race day photos, and a digital finisher certificate. The event also features a "Battle of the Branches" competition, inviting active duty military members to represent their service branch. Runners consistently praise the race for being well-organized and a fantastic way to kick off Fourth of July festivities.