
From the Organizer
Join us the Saturday BEFORE the 4th, for a fun morning with friends! Gun start at 8:00AM.
New to the Downs Freedom Run? Enjoy one of the flattest 5k courses in the area, with a route that runs through our community with cheering spectators to greet you along the way. Get festive and be ready to have a fun morning - this is one you don’t want to miss! We will finish the 5K and 1 mile walk course with a lap around the high school track.
As always, any Downs Freedom Run proceeds are re-invested in the local community. Over the years we have installed a new drinking fountain/water bottle refill station at Dooley Park; provided grants to local, small businesses struggling from Covid-19 impacts; supported the Downs 4th of July celebration; as well as provided support for other causes that help our village. We'd love to share miles with you and support the community together!
Must register by June 16th to be guaranteed a shirt.
Awards: Overall M/F Winner and Top 3 M/F in each age group (14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+)
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
86°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Normal 4ne, 11 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
1,451
as of 2023
Elevation
808 ft
Nearest Airport
BMI
Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal · 6 mi
Major Hub
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 112 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Downs Freedom Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Fleet Feet Mini Milers
7 miles away
Community Cross Country Summer Series Fun Runs
10 miles away
Run for a Cause: MCTS 5K/2K Run (Sangamam '26)
7 miles away
Dawson Lake Dash
7 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Downs Freedom Run
Jun 27, 2026