Ann Arbor Short Track Mountain Bike Race

Kick off your Fourth of July the Epic Races way: join us in downtown Ann Arbor on the 4th of July for our classic Firecracker 5K: Run, Walk, or Ruck! Our 3.1-mile course gets underway at a truly red, white, and blue locale: the intersection of Liberty and 4th... where else would you start a race on the 4th of July? Racers then loop around downtown and come in for a spectacular star-spangled finish in front of thousands of spectators.

2025 Schedule of Events:

6:30 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration open

7:45 AM — Packet Pick-Up and Race-Day Registration close

7:47 AM — Hot dog eaters to the stage

7:50 AM — Pacers to line up

7:52 AM — Remarks

7:55 AM — Nation Anthem

8:00 AM — 200-meter Kids’ Dash

8:05 AM — Ruckers Start

8:08 AM — Hot Dog Eating

8:10 AM — 5K Start

8:20 AM — 1 Mile Fun Run Start

Add an all-American angle to your outing by opting for one of our 3 special holiday divisions:

☆It's Back for 2026☆

Rucking Division: Rucking is simply walking or hiking while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. It is a staple of military training, as soldiers must be able to carry weapons, food and other supplies for long distances. Embrace an even HEAVIER challenge when you sign up for the Ruck Division.

The Flag Carrying Division: Participants in this patriotic category will run or walk their 5K proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.

Hot Dog Eating Division: It’s simply not the Fourth of July without hot dogs, and those who choose this challenge — up to 20 competitors — will try to chow down on four dogs in 76 seconds, then get their 5K underway. Consider it our version of the world-famous Nathan’s Hot-Dog Eating Contest, which is held annually in New York City every Independence Day.

Don't have the time for 5K? Try our timed 1-Mile Fun Run! A fun, friendly course awaits runners and walkers of all ages who want to show their Firecracker fervor but with a little less mileage. Whether you choose to make it competitive or relaxed, enjoy this frolic through downtown on the 4th of July!

Our littlest firecrackers are invited to make a bang all their own in our Kids’ 200-Meter Dash. Open to competitors ages 8 and under, our Kids’ Dash offers children the opportunity soar like eagles down Liberty Street, completing their race at the same finish line as Mom or Dad!

Kids can continue celebrating Independence Day at the corner of State and William, where they can take part in the Epic Races float in the Ann Arbor Jaycees' 4th of July parade (accompanied by a parent or guardian)!

The Firecracker 5K is walker friendly!

Sunglasses and medals for all participants in all divisions!

Zero Waste

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Click here to visit Happy Planet Running!

Join THE WATERMOO event director and Ann Arbor Velo Club members for a pre-ride of the lower half of the course before race day! All are welcome, even if you have not registered for THE WATERMOO.

The route is about 80 miles, and will cover some of the course's more challenging hills. There are two pace group options. Both rides are no-drop and will include bathroom and food stops if needed. Participants are expected to have the route and everything they need to sustain themselves, including tools, hydration, and food.

Route: The Lower Watermoo

Bathroom/Water:

Waterloo Headquarters spigot and porta-potty, miles 24 and 66

Sharon Mills County Park indoor restroom and water fountain, mile 44.5

Bathroom/Food:

Marathon Gas Station, mile 62

Date: Saturday, July 11th | 8:30am

Start & Finish: Dexter High School

2200 N. Parker Rd.

Dexter, MI 48130

The Ride

One Helluva Ride is Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society's signature event. This event allows AABTS to advocate for cycling in not just our community but across Michigan. Proceeds from this event are used to fund philanthropic activities, which include donating thousands of dollars for things like helmets, out-reach, education, and other charitable causes each year.

Join us for a day of scenic bicycle touring over tree-lined roads and beautiful gravel trails. The routes wind through rural and recreational areas and vary enough to appeal to a broad range of cyclists. We welcome all categories of riders.

When / Where

The ride will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Pre-registered check in starts at 6:30am. All rides start and end at Chelsea High School (740 N Freer Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118). Enter high school to park from Trinkle Rd.

NOTE: New starting location for 2026!

Routes

Updated routes for 2026.

Four paved road rides (20 -100 miles) and one gravel route (42 miles) are offered. Routes will be marked, and maps via RidewithGPS available for download. All rides start and end at Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Michigan. SAG support and bike mechanics will be available.

Routes subject to change based on road conditions - always check prior to the ride at www.aabts.org/ohr for the latest routes.

Food

There will be lunch from Slows Bar BQ of Detroit (including vegetarian and vegan), snacks and beverages at rest stops.

Merchandise

You can order a custom t-shirt and socks via the RunSignUp Store. T-shirts and socks ordered will be available for pickup when you check-in the day of the ride.

NOTE: T-shirt ordering closes as of June 21st and sock orders on July 5th. Some limited supplies will be for sale day of the ride.

Other

No day of ride registration! Online registration closes July 5th.

Questions: [email protected] / Full ride details found on our website (aabts.org/ohr).