Chinatown Firecracker Run goes virtual due to COVID surge

The 44th annual Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Run, billed as one of the nation’s oldest and largest run/walk/cycling and Lunar New Year events, will be held virtually next month due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Members of the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee issued a statement saying, “During this time of uncertainty, the LACFRC remains committed to its mission of promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles and made this difficult decision for the safety of our thousands of supportive participants, spectators, volunteers, vendors and local community and our healthcare workers.”

The in-person event had been scheduled for Feb. 19-20, featuring a 5/10K run/walk, a dog walk and 20- or 40-mile bike ride.

In place of that event, people can participate on their own schedule anytime from now through Feb. 27 by downloading the RaceJoy app on a mobile device. Organizers said the app will track participant’s events and record their results. Participants can also enter their information manually on the event’s website at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LosAngeles/LAChinatownFirecracker.