Firecracker Run Participants to Receive Free Ticket to the John Deere Classic

For the second consecutive year, runners who participate in East Moline’s annual July 4th Firecracker Run will receive a free ticket to the Thursday or Friday round of the John Deere Classic, tournament officials announced today.

Participants may run in either the 10K or 5K distances to be eligible for the Grounds ticket, officials said. Normally, some 3,000 people run in the race, which is sponsored by MercyOne Genesis health care.

“The John Deere Classic is pleased to offer a free Grounds ticket for Thursday or Friday of the tournament to anyone who runs either the 10K or 5K distance,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Andrew Lehman. “This partnership is another way to attract community members to the John Deere Classic who might not be golf fans yet while also celebrating the start of the holiday weekend.”

In addition to the runners, some 150 race volunteers also will be eligible for the free ticket offer, officials said.

“We are very excited that the John Deere Classic has decided to offer a free Grounds ticket to anyone who participates in the 10K or 5K or who volunteers at the Firecracker Run,” said race director Joe Moreno. “The proceeds of the Run go for tangible community projects. Tennis and basketball courts. Multi-family pavilions at local parks with picnic tables. The lighted “Welcome” sign in East Moline.” This is the 43rd version of the race.

For more information about the run or to sign up, visit firecrackerrun.com.

The 54th edition of the Quad Cities-based PGA Tour event will be conducted July 2-6 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis with Davis Thompson as defending champion. The tournament will offer an $8.4 million purse.

The John Deere Classic, which includes Birdies for Charity, is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, Illinois.  Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise more than $189.6 million for charity.