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 Cessna 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!
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Lexington, KY. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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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
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.
