There are some changes ahead for the annual Webster City Firecracker run set for Saturday, July 4.

The 2020 edition will be held on a closed 3,000 meter course. The event will be a “Prediction Run,” where participants will predict their time to run the course prior to the run and awards will be given to those closed to the predicted time without going over. No watches will be allowed, according to organizers.

The race will be limited to 60 runners and 20 walkers starting in waves of 10 people. The entry fees will be $15 for ages 18 and older, and $10 for those 17 and younger. No t-shirts will be sold this year.

Registration must be done in advance — no same day walkup registration will be allowed. Call Nick at (6441)247-1681 or email to ekel@iowacentral.edu to RSVP for a time slot before noon on Friday, July 3. Registration forms will be emailed once the RSVP is received.

Participants will only be allowed to compete during their pre-arranged time slot.

Available times slots are, 7:30 a.m. for runners only (10 people maximum); 7:45 a.m. for runners only (10 people maximum); 8 a.m. runners only (10 people maximum); 8:15 a.m. runners only (10 people maximum); 8:30 a.m. runners only (10 people maximum); 8:45 a.m. runners only (10 people maximum); 9 a.m. walkers only (10 people maximum); 9:15 a.m. walkers only (10 people maximum).

Awards will be given to the five people closest to their predicted time.

Runners can also participate in a virtual Firecracker 3K. Participants will send proof of performance (photograph or screenshot of GPS watch with time and distance reading clearly visible to ekel@iowacentral.edu by 11 a.m. on July 4. The window for competition will be June 27 through 11 a.m. on July 4. Awards will be given to the top two male and female times.

Call Nick at (6441)247-1681 or email to ekel@iowacentral.edu to register through noon on July 3.