The 45th L.A. Chinatown Firecracker two-day event got off to a rousing start on Saturday, Feb. 17, with greetings from guest speakers, lion dancers and, of course, firecrackers.
Saturday’s event, beginning and ending at Chinatown Central Plaza on Broadway in Los Angeles, included a 40-mile and a 20-mile bike ride and a walk for dogs and their human friends.
The early morning event on Sunday also had a similar opening ceremony with firecrackers before the start of a 10K Run, a 5K Run/Walk and a Kiddie Run.
The Firecracker included “Legacy Runners,” those who have participated every year since the event began. These runners include Sam Gee, 88, and Roger On, 80, and J. Miguel Esparza, a 75-year-old Vietnam War veteran. Esparza, who lives in Granada Hills, has said that he credits the “Chi Running” technique for being able to pursue his running longevity at his age.
Participants who finished their event received a Year of the Rabbit medal — many past participants look forward to collecting all 12 “year of the” animal-depicted medals over the years.
Both event days included a post-race expo with booths and vendors, a new Chalk Art Festival and a Boba Garden.
The Firecracker is among the last of the regional Chinese New Year events this season. The venerable event is run by a group of non-paid volunteers, the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, Inc.
The organizers mission is to “promote health and fitness, education, cultural awareness and community involvement.”
For those who couldn’t participate in-person there is an option to be a virtual participant for each of the events. Proceeds from the event go to support programs in elementary schools and nonprofit organizations in the local neighborhoods.
Chinatown Central Plaza, 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles. www.oldchinatownla.com
Firecracker email: [email protected]. firecracker10K.org
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