Freedom Run 2026
- Date Sat 4th July 2026
- Time 7:30AM CDT
- Location Springfield, Illinois
- Price $27.50
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile, 10km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Freedom Run 2026 on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, in Springfield, Sangamon, as we celebrate 250 years of American independence! This historic event invites runners and walkers of all ages to gather at the stunning Centennial Park at sunrise, embracing the spirit of freedom and perseverance that defines our great nation. Participants can choose from three exciting race distances: a scenic 10K along the beautiful Sangamon Valley Trail, a 5K that extends through a wildlife sanctuary, or a fun and accessible 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk perfect for families and newcomers alike.
Beginning at 7:30 AM, all races are chip-timed and kick off from the top of Centennial Park Hill, offering a thrilling downhill finish that symbolizes progress and unity. After crossing the finish line, join in the post-race celebration featuring delicious breakfast food, drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Every participant will receive a commemorative finisher t-shirt and medal, while awards will be given to the top overall finishers and age group champions. Experience the joy of movement and camaraderie this Fourth of July at the Freedom Run, where we honor our past and run toward a bright future!
Beginning at 7:30 AM, all races are chip-timed and kick off from the top of Centennial Park Hill, offering a thrilling downhill finish that symbolizes progress and unity. After crossing the finish line, join in the post-race celebration featuring delicious breakfast food, drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Every participant will receive a commemorative finisher t-shirt and medal, while awards will be given to the top overall finishers and age group champions. Experience the joy of movement and camaraderie this Fourth of July at the Freedom Run, where we honor our past and run toward a bright future!
Organiser's Description
CELEBRATE 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE AT THE 2026 FREEDOM RUN!
FASTSCORE RACE TIMING AND PRODUCTIONS is proud to present the 2026 FOURTH OF JULY FREEDOM RUN at Centennial Park a truly historic edition as we commemorate the 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
On JULY 4, 2026, runners and walkers will gather at sunrise to honor a nation founded on freedom, perseverance, and bold vision. Theres no better way to celebrate Americas birthday than moving forward together one stride at a time.
All-American Trail Trek Series
The Freedom Run is the 2nd trail trek in the All-American Trail Trek Series, a three-race journey celebrating iconic local trails and patriotic dates:
Abe Lincoln Trail Trek April 4
Freedom Run July 4
Washington Park Trail Trek September 5
REGISTER FOR ALL THREE RACES AND EARN:
hot beverage A commemorative All-American Trail Trek coffee mug
watch Automatic entry into a drawing for a Garmin Forerunner watch
RACE DAY EXPERIENCE
The race begins at the TOP OF CENTENNIAL PARK HILL, sending participants downhill into a scenic and spirited finish that mirrors the momentum of a nation built on progress.
* 5K Extended through the wildlife sanctuary
* 1-MILE FUN RUN/WALK A shortened, accessible route for all ages
* 10K Featuring the Sangamon Valley Trail for those ready to go the distance
All races are CHIP-TIMED with a 7:30 AM START, beginning at the top of the hill and finishing at the bottom.
PACKET PICKUP
Race-day packet pickup begins at 6:15 AM near the finish line at the SANGAMON VALLEY TRAIL & BUNKER HILL ROAD TRAILHEAD.
POST-RACE CELEBRATION
Cross the finish line on the south side of the hill and celebrate Americas 250th birthday with BREAKFAST FOOD, DRINKS, AND PATRIOTIC SPIRIT as the community comes together for this milestone moment.
The FUN RUN/WALK follows the same general route but does not enter the wildlife sanctuary.
SWAG & AWARDS
Every participant receives a FREEDOM RUN COMMEMORATIVE FINISHER T-SHIRT AND MEDAL, honoring this once-in-a-generation anniversary.
AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO:
* Top overall male and female finishers
* Top finishers in each 10-YEAR AGE BRACKET (from 10 & under through 80+)
This isnt just another Fourth of July race its a celebration of 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM, community, and the enduring American spirit.
RUN WITH PURPOSE. RUN WITH HISTORY. RUN FOR FREEDOM.
FASTSCORE RACE TIMING AND PRODUCTIONS is proud to present the 2026 FOURTH OF JULY FREEDOM RUN at Centennial Park a truly historic edition as we commemorate the 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
On JULY 4, 2026, runners and walkers will gather at sunrise to honor a nation founded on freedom, perseverance, and bold vision. Theres no better way to celebrate Americas birthday than moving forward together one stride at a time.
All-American Trail Trek Series
The Freedom Run is the 2nd trail trek in the All-American Trail Trek Series, a three-race journey celebrating iconic local trails and patriotic dates:
Abe Lincoln Trail Trek April 4
Freedom Run July 4
Washington Park Trail Trek September 5
REGISTER FOR ALL THREE RACES AND EARN:
hot beverage A commemorative All-American Trail Trek coffee mug
watch Automatic entry into a drawing for a Garmin Forerunner watch
RACE DAY EXPERIENCE
The race begins at the TOP OF CENTENNIAL PARK HILL, sending participants downhill into a scenic and spirited finish that mirrors the momentum of a nation built on progress.
* 5K Extended through the wildlife sanctuary
* 1-MILE FUN RUN/WALK A shortened, accessible route for all ages
* 10K Featuring the Sangamon Valley Trail for those ready to go the distance
All races are CHIP-TIMED with a 7:30 AM START, beginning at the top of the hill and finishing at the bottom.
PACKET PICKUP
Race-day packet pickup begins at 6:15 AM near the finish line at the SANGAMON VALLEY TRAIL & BUNKER HILL ROAD TRAILHEAD.
POST-RACE CELEBRATION
Cross the finish line on the south side of the hill and celebrate Americas 250th birthday with BREAKFAST FOOD, DRINKS, AND PATRIOTIC SPIRIT as the community comes together for this milestone moment.
The FUN RUN/WALK follows the same general route but does not enter the wildlife sanctuary.
SWAG & AWARDS
Every participant receives a FREEDOM RUN COMMEMORATIVE FINISHER T-SHIRT AND MEDAL, honoring this once-in-a-generation anniversary.
AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO:
* Top overall male and female finishers
* Top finishers in each 10-YEAR AGE BRACKET (from 10 & under through 80+)
This isnt just another Fourth of July race its a celebration of 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM, community, and the enduring American spirit.
RUN WITH PURPOSE. RUN WITH HISTORY. RUN FOR FREEDOM.
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Centennial Park, 5529 Bunker Hill Rd, Springfield, 62711, IL, United States
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Freedom Run 2026
