Hotels Near Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL Jul 2026

Date

July 4, 2026

Location

Champaign, IL

Venue

Kirby Avenue

Start Time

8:30 AM

Entry Fee

$10.00 – $35.00

Events

Youth Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk

Includes

T-Shirt

The Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run takes place on Kirby Avenue in Champaign, Illinois on July 4, 2026. The event offers two distances: a 1K option and a 5K, making it accessible for both youth participants and experienced runners. The race starts at 8:30 AM and welcomes both runners and walkers. Entry fees range from $10 to $35 depending on registration timing and distance selected. If you're traveling to Champaign for this Independence Day race, you'll want accommodation within easy reach of the Kirby Avenue venue for an early morning start.

From the Race Organizer

The Youth Run course will be along Kirby Avenue. The 5K Run/Walk course is an out and back. It starts and finishes on Kirby Avenue between the State Farm Center and Gies Memorial Stadium. The race heads east on Kirby/Florida Avenues, north on Lincoln Avenue to approximately West California Avenue and back to the finish line on Kirby Avenue. There will be two water stations. All proceeds go to support the Champaign County Freedom Celebration. Packet pick-up will be at the following locations, days, and times: Body 'n Sole Sports, 1317 N. Dunlap Avenue, Savoy, IL on Friday, July 3rd from Noon to 6:00 PM. Start and finish area (between Gies Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center) Saturday, July 4th starting at 7:15 AM - 8:45 A. Registration is through this website ONLY and will end promptly at 8:45 AM on July 4th. There will be no paper sign-up. No cash or checks will be accepted at any time. Payment through website only. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, and to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over and the top 5 walkers. THE WINNER OR A FRIEND MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD WHEN THEY ARE ANNOUNCED. THE AWARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED OR DELIVERED. Race day parking will be on the EAST SIDE of State Farm Center, Lots E5 and F5 . Enter and exit the parking area from Fourth St. For the Youth run an adult will be allowed to run with each youth. The adult does NOT have to register for this event . The Youth Run is a fun run, no bibs will be given and no packet pick up is needed. To purchase a shirt, you must register by midnight June 24th and pay the additional fee. No additional shirts will be available. There will be a price increase on June 25th.

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Champaign, IL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for July 4.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Champaign, IL. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
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Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL?

Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL takes place on July 4, 2026. The race is held in Champaign, Illinois.

Where is Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL held?

Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL is held at Kirby Avenue in Champaign, Illinois.

Where can I find hotels near Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run 2026 — Champaign, IL?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Champaign. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.