VCG – Freedom 5K takes place at 910 S. Friendswood Dr. in Friendswood, Texas on November 7, 2026. The event features a single 5K distance and starts at 7:30 AM. Entry is $35.00. Friendswood is located in the greater Houston area, making it accessible for regional runners and traveling competitors. Early morning start times work well for those looking to complete their race before the day heats up, then explore local accommodations or travel onward. The flat terrain typical of Southeast Texas makes this a solid option for runners targeting a fast time or testing fitness early in the fall season.
From the Race Organizer
VCG - Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) Nov 7th (7:30AM) Serving Those Who Served! At VCG, we believe in "Leaving No Veteran Family Behind.” Join us for the inaugural VCG Freedom 5K / 1K in Friendswood, Texas. This family-friendly Veterans Weekend event supports Veteran College Grants (VCG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing educational grants and scholarships to veterans, spouses, and children. Held annually on the Saturday before Veterans Day, this patriotic community event honors the men and women who served our country while helping provide educational grants and scholarships to veterans, spouses, and children. Participants will start/end inside the park near the gazebo and then enjoy a historic scenic run/walk through beautiful Old Town Friendswood beneath the city’s iconic oak trees. Whether you are running for a personal best, walking with family, pushing a stroller, or bringing your dog along, this event is designed for the entire community to come together in observance of Veterans Day. The children's 1K event will start at 7:30am sharp. The 1K is 1/2 mile, which is 1 lap inside the park. Cheering these kids will be encouraged. The 5K event will start immediately afterwards at approximately 7:45am. There will be a farmers market event scheduled the same day in Stevenson Park. Event Details: Location: Stevenson Park (White Gazebo) 1K Race Start: 7:30 AM / 5K Race Start: Approximately 7:45 AM. Check-In: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Gazeebo) Early Check-In: Thursday Nov 5th (4pm-8pm), Location: TBD Parking: Friendswood City Hall, Main Park Yes—Stroller-Friendly Yes—Pet Friendly Yes—Walker-Friendly Award Ceremony: 6 Awards Total Top Female Youth (17 & Under) Top Male Youth (17 & Under) Top Female Masters (40+) Top Male Masters (40+) Overall Female Champion (18 - 39) Overall Male Champion (18 - 39) MapMyRun: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6708670622 The VCG Freedom 5K will be professionally chip timed by Run Houston Timing, providing accurate official results for all participants. The event will feature a professional inflatable start/finish arch and digital race clock display, creating a true race-day experience. Official race results will be posted online through participant RunSignup accounts and the Veteran College Grants events page following the event. Participants Receive: • Custom Finisher Medal • Official Race Bib • Ultra Soft Performance Event Shirt (First 300 registered participants are guaranteed their selected size) Additional Family Activities: Coffee Station St. Arnold's Brewery—Official Beer Sponsor! Face Painting for Families and Children Patriotic Veterans Weekend Atmosphere Community Vendor Canopies Music & DJ Standard 5K Registration - Adult: $35 Special 5K Pricing - Under Twelve: $20 Standard 1K Registration - Youth: $20 Fundraising: As a charity fundraising event, participants are "encouraged," but never required, to help raise support for veteran families through personal fundraising efforts. Even small donations from friends, family, and coworkers can help provide educational grants for veterans, spouses, and children pursuing new career opportunities after military service. Participants who wish to make an even greater impact are invited to create a personal fundraising page to help support educational grants and scholarships for veterans and their families. Fundraising is completely optional but greatly appreciated. Come run, walk, honor, and support veteran families with the gift of education, one step at a time. For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, or general event questions, please contact: hello@veterancollegegrants.org Register today and help support veterans and their families through education. Registration for this event is advertised with secure payment through RunSignup. Thank you, Veteran College Grants Team
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Friendswood, TX. 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.
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 November 7.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Friendswood, TX.
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 VCG – Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) 2026 — Friendswood, TX?
VCG – Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) 2026 — Friendswood, TX takes place on November 7, 2026. The race is held in Friendswood, Texas.
Where is VCG – Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) 2026 — Friendswood, TX held?
VCG – Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) 2026 — Friendswood, TX is held at 910 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 in Friendswood, Texas.
Where can I find hotels near VCG – Freedom 5K / 1K (Friendswood) 2026 — Friendswood, TX?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Friendswood. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
