Freebird 5K
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Distance
- 5K Run/Walk · 1 Mile Fun Walk · Virtual Runner/Walker & more
From the Organizer
Join us for the 2nd Annual Freebird 5K Run/Walk honoring the life & legacy of Charles "Charlie" O'Connell.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 AT 8:00AM AT COLDSTREAM DOG PARK/LEGACY TRAIL
RACE FEATURES:
- Flat/fast and scenic course at Coldstream Park/Legacy Trail
- Commemorative unisex sized T-shirts (Or select the No Shirt option)
- 5K Run/Walk, 1 Miler (untimed) Fun Walk & Virtual Option
- Overall Top 3 M/F & Top 3 M/F Age Group Awards (0-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 5-year groups to 65-69, 70+)
- Free Race Photos (Thanks Paul Martin Photography) & Finish Line Photo Contest
- Social Teams to Enhance Your Race Experience (Prize for the largest team)
- Convenient race morning Packet Pickup at Coldstream Park
- Food, fun and fellowship as we honor a great Lexingtonian and his legacy
Our race will benefit the Lexington Public Safety Museum which is dedicated to preserving, collecting, and exhibiting the history of all public safety agencies within Fayette County, Kentucky. It serves as an ambassador and advocate for public safety, promoting safety awareness, diversity, and collective heritage.
Charles “Charlie” O’Connell July 5, 1954 – September 16, 2021; A larger than life spirit that is still felt within Lexington! Affectionately called Charlie ‘O by many that knew him, he was a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle and a beloved friend of so many! Charlie was as public servant to the core. He was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need! Charlie devoted his life to public safety! Charlie worked for UKPD, Lexington PD, Lexington E911 as a PD Dispatcher and Fire Dispatch Supervisor. Charlie had a public safety heart, a servant leader. Charlie left everyone he came in contact better! Charlie was a music enthusiast and adventurous! Whether he was running, bicycling, riding in his convertible, motorcycling, or flying his Cessna he loved the feeling of the wind. He loved feeling free! Our 5K was founded in honor of Charlie’s legacy in public safety. Fly high Charlie O' ---- Freebird!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
82°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lexington Bluegrass Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Lexington, KY
Population
321,122
as of 2023
Elevation
994 ft
Nearest Airport
LEX
Blue Grass Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
SDF
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport · 69 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Freebird 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
96
Days to train
- Race
- Freebird 5K
- Date
- September 12, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Lexington, KY
Wild Hearts Superhero 5K, 10K & Kids Super Sprint
Youth
Less than a mile away
North Lime Donut Dash 3K
Less than a mile away
Bluegrass 10,000
Less than a mile away
Crank & Boom Sprint For Scoops 3K & Kid's Dash
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the Freebird 5K?
- Freebird 5K is a running race held in Lexington, Kentucky on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Freebird 5K?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky at Coldstream Dog Park/Legacy Trail, Lexington, KY. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Freebird 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Freebird 5K
Sep 12, 2026