Sat, Jun 12, 2027

Fire Runner 5k

Waterloo, IA

Opens Feb 2, 2027Annual since at least 2026

Entry is $25 now and rises to $30 after Apr 13, 2027, so registering before then saves $5.

About the Fire Runner 5k

The course winds through the grounds of a waterpark and a theme park, looping along the sidewalk beside the lazy river before crossing into the adjacent theme park side. It finishes at the park's roller coaster, which gives the race its name. The route is paved throughout, and the surroundings are more amusement park than open road.

Packet pickup runs the afternoon before at the theme park's car drop-off zone on Shaulis Road. Race-morning pickup is also available, but closes before the start, so arriving early helps. The start is at the theme park entrance, and theme park admission on race day is included with registration.

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Finish-Time Stats

Going by the 2026 results, this is a decent-sized field, and the spread of finish times is wide, so this is a mostly recreational race rather than one for club runners.

3.1 Miles · 2026 results

433finishers

15:21winner

39:35median

1:05:45cutoff

Top 3: swan blanc (15:21) · Corben Lucchesi (17:16) · Caden Lucchesi (17:16)

The Fire Runner 5k has been held every year since at least 2026. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.

Where Would You Finish?

Enter a finish time to see where it lands against the most recent 3.1 Miles results.

Median

See how your time stacks up nationally →

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 22, 2026.

Distances & Start Times

3.1 Miles6/12/2027 09:00$25

Going for a Time?

Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.

Plan Your Trip

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Common Questions About the Fire Runner 5k

Will I finish last at the Fire Runner 5k?

Almost certainly not. Half the 3.1 Miles field finished slower than 39:35, and the last recorded finisher came in around 1:05:45, so there is a long tail of runners behind the middle of the pack. Most fields are far slower than people expect.

Is the Fire Runner 5k a good first 3.1 Miles?

A field of 433 is big enough that you will have company at your pace without feeling lost in a crowd. There is no qualifying time, and the finish-time spread above shows how varied the field really is. If it is your first 3.1 Miles, that spread matters more than the winner's time.

How competitive is the Fire Runner 5k?

The 3.1 Miles winner ran 15:21 while the median finisher took 39:35. That spread points to a broad, mostly recreational field rather than a race dominated by club runners.