News Summary
The Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K in Shreveport saw nearly 2,000 participants this Independence Day. Texas runners dominated, with Sergio Mena Marcuello and Cara Sims taking first place in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. Despite challenging weather, the event was celebrated as a community tradition, combining competitive spirit with festive atmosphere. Both winners received $500, and additional prizes were awarded to top finishers, including commemorative mugs. The race showcased not only athletic prowess but also camaraderie and community involvement.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The 2025 Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K took place on July 4, drawing nearly 2,000 runners, walkers, and strollers to the festive event. The annual race started and ended in the parking lot of St. Vincent’s Mall, winding through the hilly 3.1-mile route of the South Highlands neighborhood.
Texas athletes dominated both the men’s and women’s divisions. Sergio Mena Marcuello from Arlington, Texas, clinched victory in the men’s race, finishing with a time of 14:56.16, over 30 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Jarrett LeBlanc from Evangeline, Louisiana. In the women’s division, Cara Sims of Marshall, Texas, took first place with a time of 18:27.64. As a senior at Elysian Fields High School, Sims outperformed former Byrd runner and current LSU athlete Jenna Key, who completed the race in 19:07.49.
Both Marcuello and Sims received $500 each as their reward for their achievements, while the second-place finishers took home $250 each. Additionally, the first 100 women and 101 men finishers were awarded commemorative mugs. For the first time, mugs were also given to the top 10 male and female finishers over the age of 50.
Despite competitors facing challenging conditions of extreme heat, the event was met with positive reception from the organizers. Andrew Gaspard, owner of Sportspectrum, expressed satisfaction with the number of participants. Highlighting the festive atmosphere, the event also included a Kids Fun Run prior to the main 5K event.
The current men’s course record of 14:38 was set in 2014 by Ben Chesars. The women’s record of 16:43 is held by former Loyola runner Taylor Dare, who did not compete in this year’s race. Runners at this year’s event were motivated not only by the competitive aspect but also by the camaraderie of participating in a community tradition on Independence Day.
As the race unfolded, the hilly terrain of the South Highlands neighborhood proved to be a significant challenge for many participants. Cara Sims, in her reflection on the race, indicated that she focused on starting strong and maintained her pace through the hills, a strategy that served her well in securing the victory.
The Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K has become a cherished event in Shreveport, merging athletic competition with community celebration. As participants crossed the finish line, they joined in the collective spirit of Independence Day, marking the event not just as a race but as a significant community gathering.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: 2025 Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K Results
- Wikipedia: 5K Run
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Firecracker 5K Photos
- Google Search: 2025 Sportspectrum Firecracker 5K
- KTAL News: Firecracker 5K 40th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Running (Sport)
- Shreveport Times: 2024 Firecracker 5K Results
