When looking for a local race for the 4th of July, the Woodstown Firecracker 5k fit the bill. My son, who is mostly a non-runner, was joining me and I needed something that wasn't too challenging and that he'd enjoy. I'd heard good things from others who have participated in years past so we chose this one.

The registration fee was very affordable, $15 for me and $10 for my son (anyone under 18). Even with the couple of dollars tacked on for the transaction fee, it was less than $30.

The t-shirt is cotton (and white), so while I won't be wearing it for any running events, it's a good sleep shirt. The artwork on the front of the shirt was designed by a Woodstown High School student, which I thought was a nice touch.

It was race day bib and shirt pick up. The race started at 8am (pickup beginning at 6:30am) giving us more than enough time to get everything and put the shirts in the car. There were a few portapotties available and we also saw an ambulance near the start of the race, which I'm assuming was a "just in case" situation.

The course began at the Marlton Recreation Park in Pilesgrove/Woodstown. It was a loop around the park, then through a neighborhood, and then back in reverse through the park. Very well marked and the roads were mostly quiet with only residential traffic.

There was one water stop about halfway through. Residents of the neighborhood came out of their houses to cheer, or stood in their doorways/windows, and one even stood outside with a hose to sprinkle anyone who needed it. And on a day like the 4th of July, it's usually needed!

There's a lot of trees giving shade and coverage along the course - which is wonderful. There was a woman on a bike toward the back of the pack (which is where we were with only 186 participants) and I think she was just keeping tabs on everyone as we came around the home stretch.

No timing mats on this course, they collected the tabs at the bottom of the Road ID bibs as we crossed the finish line. Each participant was given a bottle of water as we finished. It was a quiet little 5k and a fun way to start the day!

More pictures and words can be found here: http://www.scootadoot.org/2017/07/05/woodstown-nj-firecracker-5k/