Los Angeles, California's 2011 Chinatown Firecracker 10k/5k Race

On Sunday, February 13, 2011 The Los Angeles Firecracker Run Committee, Inc. will once again hold the Chinatown Firecracker event in Los Angeles's Chinatown. The race is one of the area's premier local running events and this is the 33^rd year in existence. The event celebrates the Chinese New Year. 2011 is the year of the Rabbit.

Along with both the 10k and 5k races there is a Kiddie Run and two different Bike Ride routes to choose from. The Bike Ride is new and this will be its 3^rd year. One of the bicycle routes is a 20 miles course that is considered a "fun ride," and the other course is a 30 mile "advanced and hilly ride." For those registered on or before February 12, 2001 there is a carbo-load dinner with entertainment the day before the event. Surrounding all the events is a cultural festival with live entertainment including music and dancing from Chinese music ensembles, Korean performance troupes, Vietnamese folk dancers, Japanese taiko drummers, and Lion dancers.

All registered participants will receive a souvenir t-shirt and finisher's medal. Additional souvenirs and t-shirts can be purchased on the vent's web site listed below.

Proceeds from the event will help and go towards two local programs, Need2Read and Run Don't Walk. Both programs directly assist the children of Los Angeles.

The race has several sponsors, and among them are Ace Beverage Company, Amtrak, American Tohkin Enterprises, Brooklyn Beagle Company, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Disney, Dole Fruits, Kirin Brewery, Mahatma Rice, Nestle, Nike, Wheaties, Whole Foods, 97.1 FM AMP Radio, and 93,1 JACK FM Radio.

The events start at 6:00 AM at the intersection of North Broadway & College Streets and will continue throughout the day using staggered start times to accommodate all participants.

Participants wishing to do so can travel to and from the race using the Los Angeles Metrolink Gold Line's Chinatown Station as it is only a few blocks from the starting line of the race.

Registration for the race can be done at the event's web site www.firecracker10k.org or at www.active.com . The registration fee is $30.00 until February 9, 2011. Registration for the run over the internet is $35.00, and registration at the race on the day of the race is $37.00. No refunds will be given and the race runs rain or shine.

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