Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize takes place at 931 South Commercial Street in Emporia, Kansas on September 11, 2026. The event offers multiple distance options across running, cycling, and gravel cycling disciplines: a 1-mile run, 5K run, 5-mile run, 30K gravel cycling event, and 52-mile cycling event. With a typical start time of 8:45 AM and entry fees ranging from free to $75, the race accommodates athletes of varying experience levels and budgets. Whether you're looking for a short local run or a longer gravel or road cycling challenge, this multi-sport festival provides options to suit different training goals and fitness levels.
From the Race Organizer
WELCOME TO OUR AMAZING 23rd Emporia Freedom Fest! Emporia Freedom Fest is a series of community events bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, mingle and honor all Veterans and their families. This event provides annual charitable support to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial; the 137th & 635th Regimental Scholarship Fund, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Fund, USD 252 South Lyon County Honor Flight program, and the KSARNG Enlisted Association Programs. Visit our website - emporiafreedomfest.org for all the details and use this site to register. Registration is live the 1st of July. Virtual events start on Patriots Day (9/11) and end on Veterans Day (11/07). On-site events are held 11/7/2026 at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Please visit emporiafreedomfest.org for details about every event. " RUN" Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill Freedom Run 5k The 5K Freedom Run is one of the flattest runs you will find in Kansas. The Course keeps to the flood plain south and east of the All Veterans Memorial Park. Place top three in your age/gender category to win Emporia Main Street Gift community gift certificates. Top three male/female riders earn our custom bike and tank part trophies! "RIDE" Freedom Ride 20 mile Gravel Grinders: Lyon County State Bank/USD 252 Vet Honor Flight - (SGT Timmerman Ride): (20-22 miles) Back by popular demand is our LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Ride (Timmerman Ride) - This twenty mile ride takes you directly to the South Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to Olpe High School This is very fitting as our net proceeds for this ride support USD 252 Annual Veterans Honor Flights - to learn more about USD 252 Honor Flights visit https://www.usd252.org/page/honor-flight We are helping fundraise for the next USD 252 Honor Flight which pairs district High School students and staff with area military veterans. It is an awesome event! Top three riders (male & female) earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-Bikes are not eligible for awards . New Update (3/1/2026) The Eisenhower Freedom 50 Mile Race On-Site . We will continue to have the Eisenhower Freedom Ride (50 miler) with our virtual option. Proceeds for this event will still be provided to the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial. See registration and website for virtual event instructions. We encourage to visit an amazing Veterans Memorial for the town of Bushong and Veterans from North Lyon County, Kansas. New Event Addition! Mini-Mission Dash! This event is for children / kids able to ride a bike and 10 years of age or younger. Participants will be observable at all times by parents and guardians. All activities for the "mission" will be child/age appropriate and safe. Face painting will only be allowed if approved by a parent/guardian for each child. Age 7 and Under Distance for the ride will be .25 miles out and .25 miles back. Age 8-10 ride distance will be .5 out and back. start point is just south of the start point bridge will be the mission training area for parents and friends to observe the riders as well as their "mission phase" of the event. A map for this route and area is in the maps and timeline section of our site website. At the secret mission point each participant will be given several age-appropriate tasks to complete that have a "military mission style." Participants earn a mission complete certificate, have opportunity to camo up with face paint and a custom event bib/bike registration plate and Sweet Granada Incredible and Edible Chocolate Medal. Free and limited to kids 10 and under. "RUCK" Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Foot March Let's take a hike! Test your hiking skills and see if you can earn a true military badge by completing the Kansas Army National Guard Norwegian Foot March! Norwegian? Yes! Our military partners with our allies for many events and exercises to include the 18 Mile Norwegian Foot March! This event is approved by the KSARNG and the Norwegian embassy and is open to all service members, veterans and civilians. It's a tough event but many can attest to the excitement of finishing the march and earning your Bronze, Silver or Gold Norwegian Badge "RELEASE" Dynamic Disc Freedom Fest Open Thanks to world famous Dynamic Discs, we are honored to host the Dynamic Disc Freedom Open. As you may already know, this course is only setup once a year at Soden's Grove Park adjacent to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Dynamic Disc is an amazing partner and sponsor and as we all know holds fantastic events. Open to all and winners receive custom disc awards. Southern Star Pipeline / Will To Win Warrior Spur Challenge Combine them together and what do you get? Needing a bigger challenge? Try your hand at our multi-event Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge! Compete to earn your Auxiliary Member Order of the Spur Armor Spur from the 1-635th Armor Regiment. This event is our version of a triathlon with a taste of the traditional Cavalry/Armor Spur Ride Event (Never
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Emporia, KS. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Emporia, KS.
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
When is Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS?
Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS takes place on September 11, 2026. The race is held in Emporia, Kansas.
Where is Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS held?
Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS is held at 931 South Commercial Street in Emporia, Kansas.
Where can I find hotels near Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026 — Emporia, KS?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Emporia. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
