For 25 years, the Firecracker 50 has welcomed riders from all walks of life—but today, we're shining the spotlight on the women who’ve left their mark on this iconic race. From local legends to first timers chasing the finish line, the Firecracker wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible women who show up, clip in, and charge up those climbs.

Whether you're a podium regular or just getting into the sport, there's a place for you here. Join us in honoring the female athletes—past and present—who help make the Firecracker 50 a community, a tradition, and a challenge worth taking.

Ready to ride your story into Firecracker history? Listen to what these women have to say about their experiences with the Firecracker 50. 

Marlee Dixon, an 8-year veteran of the Firecracker and 3-time winner recalls what competing in the Firecracker feels like. "It's a really challenging course... it's definitely intimidating at first, but it's such a great learning experience," she says, "The aid stations are some of the best aid stations I have ever experienced in a race," she continues. "Breckenridge has such awesome trails, and this race hits a good chunk of them". Marlee first raced the Firecracker 50 in 2012, and didn't miss a year through 2019 stating "the vibes, the atmosphere of the race... there isn't another race like it" is what kept her coming back.

"What makes the Firecracker 50 different is the high-altitude riding, the Breckenridge singletrack, alpine scenery and being out there with so many Colorado locals really cool trails," recalls Deanna Mayles, engineer at SRAM, and 2024 Pro Women winner. "It's 50 miles at altitude, so you kind of have to be up for the challenge, but it's also a reasonably fun trail difficulty to dip your toes in the water (especially if you go the duo route)."

Mayles is a 3-time Lifetime Grand Prix racer and compares the Firecracker to legendary events like Big Sugar or Leadville 100, saying "it's such a refresher." When you look at the other races they are "quite boring" compared to the Firecracker, "which feels like an actual mountain bike race... even one lap is really hard... the whole thing is quite hard." But "the vibe is a lot more chill at the Firecracker 50".

When asked what makes Jill Sorenson, longtime local and Firecracker 50 racer, keep coming back her answer was simple. "It's the whole package". The parade is the common differentiator among the Firecracker 50 and other cross-country races out there. Being able to have something the whole family can enjoy or help out with, from leading out the parade, to helping at aid stations, or even just hanging at Carter Park. "It makes it easy as a mom to do the race and have a fun day with the family," says Sorenson. For Mayles, this is something she is really looking forward to this year. "It'll be the first time my family can come and actually watch me race -- you don't get that at other races." 

The Firecracker is all about community, challenge, and celebrating world class mountain biking in our backyard, Sorenson reflects, "the energy out on the course is unreal... celebrating the Fourth of July in a beautiful place on amazing trails... truly nothing like it." "It's invigorating," she says, having the race start off the parade on Main Street, seeing people you know on trail as you're pushing your body to the limit, and having the after party at Carter Park. "As a local, you can look any direction and see someone you know throughout the day... it's a great way to spend the Fourth."

The number of women who are competing in bike racing has really increased over the last couple years, especially at the start line for the Firecracker 50. "It was always kind of "who's going to show up for this race"... it gets a lot of big names, and a lot of pro women who will come and do it. It was always really exciting to see who was going to be on the start line," says Dixon. "There were times when the top women in the country would show up... it attracts really competitive, and fast women." Although the Firecracker is a scrappy and challenging mountain bike race, it tends to be "a fun vibe" where things don't feel as competitive as they do at other races, Mayles notes. Agreeing, Dixon goes further saying, "there's always a little bit of anxiety, but this start line is so fun, especially interacting with the crowds and hearing your friends and family cheer you on".

We asked these athletes for advice, tips and just words of encouragement for other women looking to get into the sport, racing in the Firecracker or even racing in general. Here were some of their thoughts: 

"Don't be intimidated. Give it a whirl. Grab a friend and have a good time on your bike on the Fourth of July." - Jill Sorenson

"Go for it. There's no reason why you would regret trying it. The amount of personal satisfaction and accomplishment and challenge that you go through is very rewarding. And mountain biking is very very fun!" - Marlee Dixon

"The start time is amazing. People actually hang out afterwards... if you aren't afraid of the altitude, it is a low stress, low risk, FUN race!" - Deanna Mayles