Freebird 5K
About the Event
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 TRAILRACE 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!
Join fellow runners on September 12, 2026 for the Freebird 5K. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Lexington.
Races Offered
Running
5K Run/Walk
A competitive, timed 5K (3.1 miles) on paved trail surfaces (Legacy Trail). Awards for Top 3 M/F Overall and age groups. Commemorative race shirt included with registration.
Virtual Runner/Walker
If you can't run/walk the race in person, consider signing up as a virtual runner/walker. For a $30 donation to our cause, you can run/walk your own Freebird 5K on your own schedule and in your own hometown. We'll mail or coordinate delivery of your commemorative race T-shirt.
Walking
1 Mile Fun Walk
An untimed 1-mile fun walk to support our cause. There are no awards for this event. Commemorative race T-shirt included with registration.
Weather Overview
These values represent the 4-year monthly averages for September in Lexington.
About Lexington
Freebird 5K takes place in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
Runner Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
Share your thoughts
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
