This was my first time running the Folsom Firecracker 10k and I will definitely be back next year! The packet pick-up was held at the local Fleet Feet and this is a fairly small run with less than 1,000 runners so you get your bib and a cotton t-shirt with your registration fee.
On race day, parking is held in a local business complex and there was plenty of room to park if you got there at a reasonable time. A long line for the port-a-potties caused the race to start about 3-4 minutes late to allow for runners to reach the start line on time and the National Anthem was sung by a local volunteer. All of these things made the race feel friendly, unique and local.
Most of the race was on paved bike paths along Lake Natoma with about 20% of it being on dirt paths. There were weekend runners and bikers on the course along with the race runners so it was a little difficult at times to pass the slower groups but overall it was nicely spaced out with plenty of room to run.
There were very few volunteers but the course was marked perfectly. Very little shade along the course but the 7:30 race start made the hot weather a bit more manageable.
I really liked the race management and staff; everyone was friendly and we were all out there to celebrate America and start our holiday off right!