After a year break the Firecracker was back with over 300 runners!
On Sunday, June 27th the Kenosha YMCA hosted the 43rd Annual Firecracker Run through Kenosha’s historic third avenue district. Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, the race saw over 300 registrants and 50 volunteers on the course to cheer them along. Congratulations to the overall winners Johnny Binzak (15:22) and Lisa Johnson (20:01). This year’s age group winners were as follows: ages 1-14 Caughney Freese 17:43 & Lorelai Freese 22:23, ages 15-19 Kyle Pflug 17:05 & Tess Callahan 22:35, ages 20-24 Nathan Glinski 18:00 & Kathryn Mckinnon 25:37, ages 25-29 Charles Kusk 23:50 & Katie Verheyen 23:00, ages 30-34 Steve Byron 22:01 & Brittany Lumley 21:54, ages 35-39 Dmitry Filippov 18:08 & Meghan O’Connell 21:02, ages 40-44 Brian Falcone 17:09 & Deb Scoggin 27:41, ages 45-49 Horacio Martinez 21:08 & Rebecca Gemmell 25:42, ages 50-54 Steve Gardner 23:03 & Patricia Walters 27:12, ages 55-59 Steve Pavlik 22:28 & Maureen Miller 27:38, ages 60-64 Bob Paulson 22:10 & Arlene Martin 30:25, ages 65-69 Steve Brinkman 29:01 & Connie Rinaldi 34:02, ages 70-74 Dave McGrath 31:53 & Trudy Farrell 45:42. This year’s Spirit Awards went to a very well dressed family, congratulations to James & Melaine Danielson and Maddie & Myranda Monnie!!
The Firecracker and all Y special events bring the community together in a fun and healthy way to raise funds that support life-changing programs offered free of charge to the community.
The Firecracker Race, presented by Uline and sponsored by Snap-on, Finish and Plating Service, Herzing University, Festival Foods, and Visit Kenosha, lifts up our community through the Miracle League, Frank Neighborhood Project, Frank and Brass School Achievers, Safety Around Water, Livestrong at the YMCA and the John & Judy Wavro Scholarship fund.
Kenosha YMCA Health and Wellness Director, Tenille Fick, said, “This was an awesome day! I’m extremely happy and proud to have people back together again and enjoying themselves. The event was a huge success. It was wonderful to be able to hold this race again and see all the smiles on peoples faces. So fun!” This event, or any of our events for that matter, would not be possible without the help of volunteers, so I’d like to take a moment to give a huge shout out and THANK YOU to all.”
The Y provides needed opportunities in programs such as child care, youth sports, water safety, senior fitness, before and after school care and day camp. Thanks to the John & Judy Wavro Scholarship Program, all individuals and families can enjoy the YMCA’s youth development, healthy living and social responsibility experiences. The Y is for ALL.
