William R. Gaines Jr. Freedom Run 5K
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About the race
The William R. Gaines Jr. Freedom Run 5K takes place on December 26, 2026, at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. The event includes a timed 5K run and a shorter family walk, both routed from the park and returning there for post-event refreshments and award announcements by age category.
Distances
- 3.1 Miles William R. Gaines Jr. Freedom Run 5K
- 1 Mile FUN 1 Mile-ish walk
The course begins and ends at the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower Plaza within the park and passes athletic courts, a military-themed playground, the Charlotte County Liberty Tree, and Port Charlotte Beach. Packet pickup is available on race morning at the park's large pavilion. Registration is online only and cash is not accepted.
All proceeds are designated for the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Fund for the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower. Participants in the 5K receive Freedom Run t-shirts; top finishers in age categories receive dog tag shaped medals. The event is family and dog friendly. Post-race refreshments include fruit, energy bars, and water. A veterans discount is available. Per USATF rules, gun time determines prize money and time bonus recipients, while chip time determines age-group results. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
