Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY

Date
September 12, 2026
Location
Lexington, KY
Venue
Coldstream Dog Park/Legacy Trail
Start Time
6:30 AM
Sunrise
7:16 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $35.00
Events
5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Walk, Race Volunteer
Includes
T-Shirt (tie-dye)
Register NowRegistration Open

The Freebird 5K starts early at 6:30 AM, so plan your hotel location accordingly if you're traveling in the day before. The race takes place at Coldstream Dog Park and Legacy Trail in Lexington, Kentucky on September 12, 2026, and offers a 1-mile distance. Both running and walking are welcome. Entry fees range from free to $35. If you can't make it to Lexington for race day, a virtual participation option lets you complete the event remotely. Book accommodations within reasonable driving distance of the park to minimize travel time before the early morning start.

From the Race 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 airplane 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!

Course & Travel Notes

The Freebird 5K kicks off early on September 12th at 6:30 AM in Lexington, Kentucky, so you'll want to arrive with plenty of time before sunrise at 7:17 AM. Blue Grass Airport is just 6 miles from the venue, making it super convenient if you're flying in. Mid-September in Lexington typically brings warm mornings around 58°F rising to the high 80s, so bring layers you can shed as the day heats up—and there's about a one-in-four chance of rain, so a light rain jacket wouldn't hurt to pack.

⛰️ 951 ft elevation☀️ Typically 80°F / 58°F · 26% chance of rain✈️ Blue Grass Airport (LEX) — 6 mi

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Lexington, KY. 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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY?

Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Lexington, Kentucky.

Where is Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY held?

Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY is held at Coldstream Dog Park/Legacy Trail in Lexington, Kentucky.

Where can I find hotels near Freebird 5K 2026 — Lexington, KY?

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