48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Celebration of the Lunar New Year
3 min read
2026 The Year of the Fire Horse!
Celebrating 48 years, the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S. with its upcoming Lunar New Year run, walk, cycling and dog walk events takes place over the weekend of February 28-March 1, 2026 from the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza.
Each registered participant receives a commemorative 2026 Firecracker race bib, exclusive collectible finisher’s medal, commemorative t-shirt (even for registered kids and dogs), goodie bag, and much more. In addition, participants and their guests will enjoy a Lunar New Year Celebration in the heart of historic Chinatown with an opening ceremony filled with lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers and a two-day FREE to the public Firecracker Festival featuring exhibitors, beer garden, vendors, activities for children, and plenty of live entertainment.
The 5K run/walk is an out and back course that takes participants past the main entrance to Dodger Stadium. The 10K course is a challenging run through the hills of Elysian Park. From N. Broadway, the course climbs up into the park to higher elevations. The course winds high over the Figueroa Tunnels above the 110 freeway, through tree-lined rolling hills providing a spectacular 180-degree view of the city. The 48th Annual Firecracker runs are approved 2026 USATF Sanctioned Events.
The Fire Horse
In Chinese astrology, it’s the year of the Horse. Those born in a horse year are thought to be active, optimistic, and cheerful, and the year itself is associated with adventure, prosperity, and decisive action. It amplifies the Horse’s natural traits of self-reliance and adventurousness, creating a powerful, fast-moving, and sometimes restless force. In 2026, it’s the Fire Horse, known for its kind spirited and passionate drive. With lava lines grazing its body and a glowing tail, the Fire Horse embraces its fiery nature and surpasses all obstacles. It’s also hard to miss the Fire Horse’s tall antlers — a nod to the mythical Qilin, who symbolizes prosperity and longevity, and a blazing ring of fire that encapsulates growth and transformation.
The 48th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is produced by the nonprofit L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee (LACFRC), a group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to organize and stage events and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, fitness, cultural awareness, supports education and encourages community participation. LACFRC continues to give back with proceeds reinvested in the community providing service and programs benefiting elementary schools and local nonprofit organizations/
To date, generous sponsors include Angel City Brewery; Capital Group; CWLab International, Ltd.; , Raising Cane’s; San Antonio Winery; and Young Engineering, Inc.
February 28 – March 1, 2026
• Sat, Feb 28: 50-mile Bike Ride; 8 a.m. – via Chinatown, LA River Bike Trail, Griffith Park, Burbank, Glendale, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, Alta Dena, South Pasadena, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights
• Sat, Feb 28: 20-mile Bike Ride; 8:15 a.m. – via Chinatown, LA River Bike Trail, Griffith Park
• Sat, Feb 28: 2K PAW’er Dog Walk; 9 a.m.
• Sat, Feb 28: Lantern Paw Festival; Blossom Plaza, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Sat, Feb 28: Free Festival until 4 p.m.
• Sun, March 1: 5K Run/Walk; 8:00 a.m.
• Sun, March 1: 10K Run/Walk; 8:40 a.m.
• Sun, March 1: 1K Kiddie Run: 9:45 a.m.; includes Kiddie Fun Zone (Carnival Games, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Arts & Crafts activities, Rock Climbing, Puppet Show, and much more)
• Sun, March 1: Free Festival until 1 p.m.
Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza – 943 N Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles, 90012
Find information about how to register at L.A. Chinatown Firecracker10K.org
*Information and images courtesy Susan Gordon Public Relations.
