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Freebird 5K

Name: Freebird 5K
Start: 2026-09-12
End: 2026-09-12
Location: Lexington, Kentucky

location_city Lexington

location_on Kentucky

flag United States

calendar_today 12 Sep, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

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 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!

Races Offered

Virtual Runner/Walker

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

00:00

Race Volunteer

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — Race Volunteer

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

06:30

5K Run/Walk

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

08:00

1 Mile Fun Walk

Sep 12, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

08:02

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Lexington.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 15.8° / 26.8°

wb_sunny 15.3° / 26.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 8.9 /

water_drop 68.8%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 15.8° / 26.8°

wb_sunny 15.3° / 26.3°

air 8.9 km/h

water_drop 68.8%

About Lexington

Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, located in the Bluegrass Region. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington has traditionally been dominated by the horse industry and is also heavily influenced by the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship university and the largest employer in the city. The horse industry has greatly influenced Lexington's culture and scenic beauty; the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University contribute to a college town atmosphere with a richer and more diverse culture than some might expect from its size and location. Lexington's compact central downtown district is surrounded by historic neighborhoods. Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and is still home to hundreds of horse farms.