For the 27th time, the sound of running shoes on the pavement will mark the Fourth of July holiday when the Doctors Care Hilton Head Island Firecracker 5000 5K Run and Health Walk hits the street 8 a.m. Wednesday at Shelter Cove Community Park.

The updated course, which takes participants onto William Hilton Parkway and over the fast and flat roads around Shelter Cove Harbour, will be clearly marked at each mile, split times will be provided and water will be readily available. Walkers will start behind the runners.

There will be 16 age divisions for men and women, as well as Clydesdale division (200 pounds and heavier) for men and the Zina division (145 pounds and heavier) for women.

Interested runners can register and pick up their packets from 2-5 p.m. today at the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center or from 6:30-7:30 a.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park before the race.

Mark Weisner of Bear Foot Sports says that roughly 1,200 runners have registered and another 400 are expected to sign up between now and race time.

"That should be a record number," Weisner said.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hilton Head Runners Club and Hilton Head Aquatics.

Awards will be given to the top five runners overall, the top three in the male and female Masters division and to the top runner in the Grand Masters division. The top three runners in each division will receive a medal.

Parking is free at Shelter Cove Mall. There will be a post-race awards ceremony and party featuring music, pizza, refreshments and prizes.

Volunteers are still needed.

27TH ANNUAL HILTON HEAD ISLAND FIRECRACKER 5000

When: 8 a.m. Wednesday

Where: Shelter Cove Community Park

Registration: 2-5 p.m. today at the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center; 6:30-7:30 a.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park.

Entry fees: Kids 12 and younger, $30; adults, $35; discounts for groups of six or more.

Details: www.bearfootsports.com; 843-757-8520