Triton Cross Country Hosts Firecracker 5K in Webster City
For the 39th consecutive year, runners gathered in Webster City, IA for the annual Firecracker 5K to kick off their holiday. Iowa Central Cross Country is honored to have been the host of the event since 2016.
Over 200 runners participated in this year's event. "This was the largest attendance we have had since taking the event over," said the Director of Triton Cross Country and Track & Field, Dee Brown. "I have to thank our volunteers and sponsors who do so much to make the experience each year what it is."
Proceeds raised from the annual run are donated to the UnityPoint Cancer Center. Since 2007, Triton Cross Country has donated $40,200 to the important cause through their "Race to Erase Breast Cancer" initiative. $4,000 was raised this year through selling t-shirts and hosting the Firecracker 5K.
"The Firecracker 5k serves many purposes for many different people," said Brown. "It is a great fundraiser for our annual donation to UnityPoint, it is a family tradition for many residents, it is an annual reunion for Triton alumni to come back to see old teammates, and of course it provides fellowship and fitness for all."
Elise Wieland from Des Moines, IA captured the overall women's title in a time of 19:13 and former Triton, Karim Achengli Benmouais, from Urbandale, IA was the top male finisher with a time of 15:49. Shirley Svenson from Ames, IA has participated in every Firecracker 5K since the very first one in 1988 and finished with a time of 43:42 in the 70+ age group. Shirley's time in 1988 was 37:11.
"There is a strong core group of participants who attend annually," said Brown. "It is simply a family tradition for our area residents and their families who come 'home' for the holidays. We are always honored to be included in their plans."
Full results from the 2026 Firecracker 5K can be found at www.rymoe.com/firecracker5k/