Freebird 5K
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 6:30AM EDT
- Location Lexington, Kentucky
- Price Free - $33.25
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for an incredible day of community spirit and healthy fun at the 2nd Annual Freebird 5K Run/Walk, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the scenic Coldstream Dog Park and Legacy Trail in Lexington, Fayette. This exciting event celebrates the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" O'Connell, a cherished member of the Lexington community known for his dedication to public safety and his infectious spirit.
Participants can enjoy a flat, fast course that’s perfect for runners and walkers of all levels, featuring a 5K Run/Walk, an untimed 1-Mile Fun Walk, and even a virtual option for those who prefer to join from afar. With awards for the top three male and female finishers, as well as age group awards, there’s plenty of motivation to lace up those sneakers! Plus, commemorative unisex T-shirts, free race photos, and a fun-filled atmosphere make this event one you won't want to miss. All proceeds will benefit the Lexington Public Safety Museum, ensuring Charlie's legacy continues to shine in the community he loved. Join us for a day filled with food, fun, and fellowship as we honor a remarkable individual and create lasting memories together!
Participants can enjoy a flat, fast course that’s perfect for runners and walkers of all levels, featuring a 5K Run/Walk, an untimed 1-Mile Fun Walk, and even a virtual option for those who prefer to join from afar. With awards for the top three male and female finishers, as well as age group awards, there’s plenty of motivation to lace up those sneakers! Plus, commemorative unisex T-shirts, free race photos, and a fun-filled atmosphere make this event one you won't want to miss. All proceeds will benefit the Lexington Public Safety Museum, ensuring Charlie's legacy continues to shine in the community he loved. Join us for a day filled with food, fun, and fellowship as we honor a remarkable individual and create lasting memories together!
Organiser's Description
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 OCONNELL 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 Charlies legacy in public safety. Fly high Charlie O' ---- Freebird!
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 OCONNELL 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 Charlies legacy in public safety. Fly high Charlie O' ---- Freebird!
Races
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $3.25 Fee & T-Shirt (Tie-Dye)
Sat 12th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$23.25
OPENS 01 FEB 26A competitive, timed 5K (3.1 miles) on paved trail surfaces (Legacy Trail). Awards for Top 3 M/F Overall and age groups. Commemorative race shirt included with registration. -
1 Mile Fun Walk
Incl. $3.25 Fee & T-Shirt (Tie-Dye)
Sat 12th September 2026 (8:02AM EDT)
$18.25
OPENS 01 FEB 26An untimed 1-mile fun walk to support our cause. There are no awards for this event. Commemorative race T-shirt included with registration. -
Virtual Runner/Walker
Incl. $3.25 Fee & T-Shirt (Tie-Dye)
$33.25
OPENS 01 FEB 26If you can't run/walk the race in person, consider signing up as a virtual runner/walker. For a $30 donation to our cause, you can run/walk your own Freebird 5K on your own schedule and in your own hometown. We'll mail or coordinate delivery of your commemorative race T-shirt. -
Race Volunteer
Incl. T-Shirt (Tie-Dye)
Sat 12th September 2026 (6:30AM EDT)
Free
OPENS 01 FEB 26We need 8-10 volunteers to work a race day shift from 6:30-10:00am to make this race great. Volunteers will earn a commemorative race T-shirt for working a full shift.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
Coldstream Dog Park/Legacy Trail, 1850 Pisacano Drive, Lexington, 40511, KY, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Freebird 5K
