2026
Fireball Classic Memorial Race
🗓 Race Day: Saturday, July 4, 2026
📍 Location: Wintersmith Park, Ada, OK
 
Sign up for this year's race here:

🏁 Fireball Classic Memorial Race - July 4, 2026 🏁

The Fireball Classic Memorial Race will return on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at beautiful Wintersmith Park in Ada, Oklahoma. This beloved Independence Day tradition brings together runners, walkers, families, and community supporters for a morning of fitness, fun, and community spirit.

The Fireball Classic features:

  • 🔥 10K Run
  • 🔥 5K Run
  • 👟 Family Fun Run / Walk
  • 🏃 Brady Durham's Fastest Kid in Town (Kids Race)

Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome, and many runners make this race part of their July 4th holiday tradition.

Looking to volunteer?

We could use the help! Visit our ClubRunner event page to see the volunteer sign up lists.


📦 Race Packet Pickup

Night Before – July 3rd: Packet pickup will be available from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Wintersmith Lodge.

Race Morning – July 4th: Packet pickup will be available from 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM at Wintersmith Lodge.

NOTE: Registration/packet pickup closes for each race 30 minutes before it starts to allow the timing company time to upload the participant data. 

📅 Race Day Schedule – July 4th

5:00 AM – Packet Pickup Opens
6:30 AM – Packet Pickup Closes
6:45 AM – Opening Ceremony
7:00 AM – 10K Start
7:15 AM – 5K Run & Family Fun Run/Walk Start
7:20 AM – Kids Race Start

Start times and registration deadlines for each event are also listed on the individual event registration pages.

🗺️ 2026 Course Maps

5K Course  – The 5K is a scenic 2-lap route around Wintersmith Lake. Start and finish at Wintersmith Lodge. Follow the orange arrows, two full loops around the lake and you're done!

10K Course (Out and Back)  – The 10K follows an out-and-back route through Wintersmith Park and out along Cradduck Road and Ahloso Road to a turnaround point, then back to the Lodge along the other side of Wintersmith Park.

Key navigation notes for 10K runners:

  • Heading out: Follow S Scenic Dr into Pine St and turn left on Cradduck Rd. Stay left on Cradduck Rd (do not cross the highway)
  • Heading back: Go right at Pine St to Wintersmith Dr (around the other side of the park)
  • Look for course signs and volunteers at key turns

Note: Due to ongoing construction, the 2026 10K uses the same out-and-back route as last year. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

   

❤️ Supporting Local Students

Proceeds from the Fireball Classic support the Back to School Basics program organized by Ada Sunrise Rotary. Each year, this initiative provides school supplies to hundreds of area students, helping ensure they begin the school year prepared for success. By participating in the Fireball Classic, runners and sponsors help make a direct impact in the Ada community.

If you have questions about the event, please let us know!

🎆Fireball Classic 2025 Recap: Record-Breaking Turnout and Incredible Impact

The 2025 Fireball Classic Memorial Race was our biggest yet, with 584 registered participants (up from 447 last year)! Together, we raised an amazing $22,724.80 to support Back to School Basics!

 
Thank you to our Backpack Buddies!

Backpack Buddies are direct donors to the Fireball Classic fundraising effort (Back to School Basics). They help to equip area students will the school supplies they need to start the school year strong.
 
This year, we received $590 in direct donations from our Backpack Buddies!

🏁 Fireball Classic 2025 Race Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Fireball Classic Memorial Race! 🎉 Official results for both the 5K and 10K are now available and include full age division breakdowns:

Special thanks to our friends at Twelve:One Running for providing top-notch race timing services. ⏱️

🏃 5K Results

🏆 Overall Top 3

  1. Adam Hensley (M, 14) – 18:58

  2. Jake Mann (M, 14) – 19:47

  3. Max Denney (M, 14) – 20:14

👟 Top 3 Male

  1. Adam Hensley (14) – 18:58

  2. Jake Mann (14) – 19:47

  3. Max Denney (14) – 20:14

👟 Top 3 Female

  1. Hayes Watson (17) – 21:43

  2. Aubrey Cupps (11) – 22:25

  3. Jayden Lee (16) – 23:01

📊 Age Group Winners

  • 0–9: Bayler Blair (F, 9) – 23:07 | Finn Edwards (M, 8) – 39:37

  • 10–14: Aubrey Cupps (F, 11) – 22:25 | Adam Hensley (M, 14) – 18:58

  • 15–19: Hayes Watson (F, 17) – 21:43 | Gus Byrd (M, 16) – 20:27

  • 20–29: Brooklyn Kile (F, 27) – 23:07 | Huston Holder (M, 20) – 21:14

  • 30–39: Machaille Borgsmiller (F, 37) – 24:21 | Victor Wind (M, 33) – 21:34

  • 40–49: Adrienne Rustin (F, 45) – 25:30 | Cody Dewitt (M, 40) – 24:49

  • 50–59: Amy Heller (F, 53) – 34:19 | Daniel Manuel (M, 51) – 22:25

  • 60–69: Melody Marshall (F, 60) – 35:57 | Malcolm Tartsah (M, 65) – 32:50

  • 70+: Carol Bridges (F, 79) – 27:38 | Terry Scott (M, 78) – 33:57

🏃‍♀️ 10K Results

🏆 Overall Top 3

  1. Jackson Stinnett (M, 25) – 36:29

  2. Brianna Stinnett (F, 24) – 39:06

  3. Ivan Huerta (M, 25) – 39:28

👟 Top 3 Male

  1. Jackson Stinnett (25) – 36:29

  2. Ivan Huerta (25) – 39:28

  3. Aden Evans (18) – 39:44

👟 Top 3 Female

  1. Brianna Stinnett (24) – 39:06

  2. Caris Tilley (15) – 45:23

  3. Pamela Dombek (40) – 46:07

📊 Age Group Winners

  • 10–14: Coen Estes (M, 14) – 44:10

  • 15–19: Caris Tilley (F, 15) – 45:23 | Aden Evans (M, 18) – 39:44

  • 20–29: Brianna Stinnett (F, 24) – 39:06 | Jackson Stinnett (M, 25) – 36:29

  • 30–39: Lexi Christensen (F, 39) – 47:22 | Logan Blackburn (M, 31) – 40:56

  • 40–49: Pamela Dombek (F, 40) – 46:07 | James Monroe (M, 41) – 46:57

  • 50–59: Valerie DeAngelis (F, 51) – 46:11 | Cole Hemmerling (M, 57) – 48:23

  • 60–69: Mark Medlock (M, 64) – 56:35

  • 70+: Michael McCrea (M, 77) – 38:47

Fireball 2025 Photos: Rain or Shine, the Fireball Classic Brought the Heat!

 

Despite the downpour, our community showed up in full force, with big smiles, soggy shoes, and unstoppable energy. From determined runners to drenched-but-dedicated volunteers and cheering fans, the 2025 Fireball Classic was a true testament to Ada’s spirit and resilience. We’re so proud of everyone who made this event a success!

We’ve started collecting some amazing photos that capture the joy, grit, and camaraderie of the day. Check out the album below to relive the memories, and if you’ve got more pics to share, tag us on Facebook or use #FireballClassicAda. Rain can't wash away the spirit of Fireball, Rotary, or this incredible community! We've also put a few of our favorites below!

Fireball 2025 Photo Album

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

We’re grateful to the generous sponsors who help make this event possible each year.
 
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact us here.

Ada Sunrise Rotary is proud to recognize Mercy as our Elite Sponsor for the 2025 Fireball Classic Memorial Run!

 
Their continued support and commitment to community wellness help make this event possible year after year. From promoting healthy living to supporting local families through the Back to School Basics program, Mercy’s partnership is a shining example of service and care.
 
Thank you, Mercy, for running alongside us in every way that matters! Learn more about Mercy at https://www.mercy.net/!
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • David Crisp
 
  • Nancy Thomason
  • Sarah Jane Johnson
  • Rhynes Rentals
 

Here are a few fun photos from 2024 and previous years!

The Story Behind the Name: Honoring Ralph 'Fireball' Evans

Every Fourth of July, hundreds of runners gather at Wintersmith Park to take part in a beloved Ada tradition: the Fireball Classic Memorial Race. It’s a day of community, competition, and celebration. But have you ever wondered where the event gets its memorable name?

The name is a direct tribute to a true local legend, a man whose impact on Ada athletics is still felt today: Coach Ralph Evans.

So, who was Ralph Evans? He was a successful athlete at East Central University, known for his formidable speed and competitive drive on the track. He was also known by the unforgettable nickname, "Fireball."

After his running career, Evans dedicated his life to mentoring young athletes. His celebrated coaching career was so impactful that it led to his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1981.

As a passionate advocate for running in the community, Coach Evans served as the inspiration for the annual Fourth of July race. To recognize his dedication to the sport, the event was named the "Fireball Classic" in his honor.

Today, the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club is honored to carry on this tradition. The competitive spirit and community focus that Coach Evans championed are alive and well. Now, the race not only celebrates his legacy but also serves another vital community purpose: all proceeds benefit our Back to School Basics program, which provides backpacks and school supplies to over 1,000 students in Pontotoc County.

So, when you lace up your shoes on July 4th, take a moment to remember Ralph "Fireball" Evans. You're not just running a race; you're participating in a piece of Ada history and honoring a local legend whose fiery spirit continues to inspire us all.

Be a Part of the Tradition!

You can honor the legacy of Coach "Fireball" Evans and support local students by participating the next race!

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