Customer Snapshot
- Years Running: 42
- Participants from: 12 States
- Prize Money: $2,500
- Tools Used: Registration, Giveaway Inventory, RaceDay Scoring, RaceDay CheckIn
When Matt McVicar’s predecessor left Sportsspectrum unexpectedly in 2014, the longtime running lifestyle store needed someone to step in and keep the Firecracker 5K alive. Matt, who had been with the store since 2012, took over race management without hesitation. What he inherited wasn’t just a 5K — it was a decades-old July 4th institution in Shreveport, Louisiana, one with fireworks at the start line, commemorative mugs instead of trophies, and a community that shows up year after year from over a dozen states.
Over a decade later, the Firecracker 5K is still going strong — and RunSignup has been part of keeping it that way.
Firecracker 5K Background: A Race Built on Tradition
The Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K Race for Research started in 1985 with about 45 runners at Spring Lake Point Apartments. Today, it draws participants from at least 12 states to the South Highland neighborhood of Shreveport every Independence Day — and the heart of the race hasn’t changed much.
The course weaves through one of Shreveport’s oldest and most beautiful historic neighborhoods, starting hilly before flattening out. The race begins at 8:00 AM sharp — announced by a fireworks display. An inflatable arch spans four lanes of road at the start line. The awards? Not trophies. The first 101 men and 100 women to finish earn a commemorative mug — a tradition that’s become the signature of the event.
Focus on creating an experience, not just another 5K. People remember useful things — a good mug, real food, something that makes them feel like they were part of something. — Race Director, Sportspectrum
The race is held in memory of Ran Kiper, Jim Wilhite, and Robin Fell, and benefits the Spine Institute of Louisiana Foundation. Donations collected through online registration go directly toward spine research — a cause that’s been central to the Firecracker’s identity since the Foundation became title sponsor.
The Challenge: Moving a Community Online
One of Matt’s ongoing challenges has been transitioning long-time participants away from paper entry forms and in-person store registration. The race has a loyal, multi-generational participant base — many of whom are accustomed to registering the way they always have.
While fully shifting those participants online has been a gradual process, Matt has made meaningful progress. Their fall race the Sportspecturm Log Jammer Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K, is now 100% registered online. On the Firecracker 5K side, RunSignup’s tools have made it easier to give participants a reason to register early — including tiered pricing that rewards early registration and tools that simplify race-day check-in.
RunSignup in Action
Registration Management
Matt describes RunSignup as a “game changer” for the simplicity of setting up a race and managing registration from start to finish. For an event with the Firecracker’s logistics — tiered pricing windows, a kids’ fun run, giveaway sizing, and a charitable donation component — having everything centralized has made a real operational difference.
Giveaway Inventory
One of Matt’s most-used features is giveaway inventory management. The Firecracker 5K distributes commemorative T-shirts and tank tops to participants, and RunSignup’s giveaway tools let Matt track exactly what’s been claimed and what remains — without relying on manual spreadsheets.
RaceDay Scoring & CheckIn
Matt is in the process of transitioning from his previous timing software to RaceDay Scoring to better integrate with his timing equipment. He also uses the RaceDay CheckIn app and mobile hot spots for packet pickup — a shift away from manual spreadsheets and bib assignment that he describes as significantly more efficient.
People ask me all the time, ‘If I sign up now, how long before I’m in the system?’ I’m like, ‘About two minutes. As soon as you hit pay, I got your name and number.’ — Race Director, Sportspectrum
Packet Pickup as a Business Strategy
One element of the Firecracker that sets it apart isn’t just the race itself — it’s what happens before it. Packet pickup is held inside the Sportspectrum store, with the pickup area set up in the back. To get their bib, participants walk through the retail floor — a deliberate strategy that drives additional sales leading up to race day.
For a race management company that is also part of a running retail store, it’s a natural integration that creates value for both sides of the business.
Tips from 42 Years on the Course
After managing the Firecracker 5K for over a decade and watching the race evolve for 42 years, Matt has a clear philosophy for what makes a race last:
- Give people something worth keeping. The commemorative mug has become the race’s calling card. Participants don’t want another trophy gathering dust — they want something they’ll actually use.
- Make the experience distinct. Fireworks at the start line. A historic course. Music and a post-race party with real food. These are the details that turn a 5K into a July 4th tradition.
- Use your tools. Features like giveaway inventory and the CheckIn app aren’t just conveniences — they reduce friction on race morning so you can focus on the experience.
