William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K
William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K is a running race on December 26, 2026 in Port Charlotte, FL, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- December 26, 2026 (51 days to go)
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Join us for one of the last 5k's of the year and let's leave 2026 in the dust! The race will start and end at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. All proceeds will go toward the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Fund for the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower.
9am start time
The 5K Freedom Run at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park will take place at 9 a.m. on December 26, 2026.
The park is located at 20499 Edgewater Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
Packet Pickup race morning:
@ Large Pavilion at 20499 Edgewater Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. starting at 7:30am
(ALL Registration will be open ONLINE. You must bring a phone to register.) NO CASH
The run will start in the park beginning the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower Plaza. Runners will make their way past athletic courts, as well as a Military themed playground and the Charlotte County Liberty Tree, on their way to the scenic Port Charlotte
Beach. The runners will follow their way back to the park for refreshments and the announcements of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners by age category.
This is a chance for the whole family to get outside after Christmas and exercise together. Runners will receive Freedom Run t-shirts, and dog tag shaped medals for the top runners in various age categories.
To sign up, please visit wrgainesjr.org/5k.
For more information
please contact Michael Gaines at 813-785-6709 or
michael.gaines@wrgainesjr.org.
Family/Dog-Friendly event.
Fruit, energy bars, water will be available after the run.
View the course Map Please stay on the Sidewalks as the streets will not be closed.
Course Map
Veterans Discount is available
Per USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money winners and time bonus recipients. Tag time (chip time) will be used to determine all age-group
Events
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
76°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Punta Gorda Charlotte Co Ap, 8 mi from the venue.
About Port Charlotte, FL
City Elevation
9 ft
Nearest Airport
PGD
Punta Gorda Airport · 11 mi
Major Hub
SRQ
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport · 37 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
51
Days to train
- Race
- William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K
- Date
- December 26, 2026
Save This Race
Create a free account to find and save races like this to your athlete profile.
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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
More Running races near Port Charlotte, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K?
When and where is the William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K?
How do I register for the William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K?
William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K
Dec 26, 2026