Fireworks 5k & 10k

The Fireworks 5k & 10k returns to Fairfax Station, Virginia on July 4th, a holiday weekend where runners and walkers alike can explore the scenic trails of Burke Lake Park while enjoying the festive spirit of Independence Day.
As dawn breaks over Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, the air is filled with the crisp scent of early morning dew. The park's extensive network of woodland paths crisscross through dense greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of nearby cities. Runners and walkers wind their way along well-maintained trails that meander beside tranquil waters, where sunlight dances on ripples created by passing ducks and geese.
This event has been an annual tradition since its inception in 2016, drawing hundreds of participants each year to celebrate America’s independence with a run through nature. The race raises funds for the local community center's youth programs, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to enriching activities and safe spaces during their summer break.
The Fireworks 5k & 10k course winds its way through Burke Lake Park, offering runners and walkers an opportunity to experience a mix of flat terrain with gentle hills. The park’s winding paths provide scenic views of the lake as well as dense forested areas, creating a varied landscape that challenges participants while rewarding them with natural beauty at every turn.
Runners will start near the main parking lot by the visitor center before heading out onto the trails for an undulating route through the woods and along the lakeshore. Aid stations are strategically placed throughout the course to offer water and sports drinks, ensuring runners stay hydrated during their run or walk. The finish line returns participants back to the starting area where they can gather with family and friends in celebration of both the holiday and a job well done.
The typical weather on July 4th in Fairfax Station features comfortable temperatures around an average of 26.5°C, though it’s not uncommon for early morning runners to experience cooler conditions closer to the minimum temperature range of about 21.4°C. The air is often humid at approximately 74.5%, which can make the run feel slightly warmer than the actual thermometer reading might indicate, with an average "feels like" temperature also around 26.5°C.

To register for the Fireworks 5k & 10k event, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116276/fireworks-5k-and-10k to secure your spot at either $49.64 for the ten-kilometer race or $33.63 for the five-kilometer run. Virtual options are also available, ranging from a medal-only entry for $20.82 up to a full virtual package with both medal and shirt starting at $33.63, down to an economical no-medal/shirt option priced at just $12.28.
Bib pickup will be held on July 4th between 7:00 am and 8:00 am near the visitor center in Burke Lake Park where you can collect your race number along with a detailed map of the course layout. Be sure to bring photo identification for verification purposes during bib pick-up. The start line is located at the main parking lot adjacent to the park’s entrance, with runners and walkers taking off promptly from there.
Participants must be 13 years or older to register independently; those under this age are welcome to join in but will require parental accompaniment on race day. For first-timers looking to hit the trails for their inaugural run, it's wise to arrive early enough to acclimate yourself with the course layout and gather any last-minute essentials like snacks, extra water bottles, or sunscreen.
The Fireworks 5k & 10k in Fairfax Station is more than just a race; it’s an event that brings together community members on one of America’s most celebrated holidays. Join us for another year of running through the park and celebrating our nation's freedom with family and friends.