2026 Freedom 5k - Keystone Heights

Please Join us for the Freedom 5k in Keystone Heights, FL

July 4 2026, 8:00 A.M., Keystone Heights, FL, 555 Lawrence Boulevard (City Hall)

This year the first 400 finishers will be getting finisher medals! 

Presented by: Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

The 5k run will benefit the Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund, an all-volunteer non-profit organization which gives scholarships to Keystone Heights High School graduating seniors. For more information visit the website: jordancooperscholarship.org. The race will be professional chip timed by Florida Race Day.

General Description:

Keystone Heights, Florida, located in the southwest corner of Clay County, once again prepares for its Independence Day Celebration which includes the Freedom 5k, presented by the Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund. Other planned activities for the day include a parade, arts and crafts and food vendors. 

Keystone Heights is a small town where family values still abound. Its landscape includes numerous lakes, parks and recreation areas as well as a quaint downtown area where residents shop. The Keystone residents value their community and are active in all areas including schools, sports, churches, library and local events. It's a place for neighbors to meet neighbors, and a town where people from around the world are welcomed as well. Keystone Heights is a "commuters town" since many of the residents commute daily to work within a 50-mile radius surrounding the city. The town sits between two main Florida cities, Gainesville to the Southwest and Jacksonville to the Northeast.

Generations of Floridians have raised their children here as well as the many folks who moved here after discovering Clay County's community nestled in beautiful Northeast Florida.  The communities are examples of hometown America.  We welcome you to join us for a small town celebration in honor of our county and nation, and experience a true local tradition.

Packet Pickup:

Packets will be available for pick up at City Hall (555 South Lawrence Boulevard, Keystone Heights, FL 32656) , July 3rd 5:00-6:30 pm and on race day between 6:30- 7:30 am 

Timing Chips:

The race will be timed using a bib chip. Timing will be conducted by Florida Race Day.  All runners and walkers must have a race bib with timing chip to participate in the event. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted. Bikes, skates, skate shoes, skateboards, and scooters are prohibited.

Parking:

Parking is available at Community Church, 345 Palmetto Ave SE, (a two block walk from start).  PLEASE DO NOT PARK along Lawrence Boulevard, this is where the Start and Finish will be.

Course Map:

The 5k starts and finishes on Lawrence Boulevard in front of City Hall (555 South Lawrence Boulevard, Keystone Heights, FL).  This well shaded course winds through the neighborhoods surrounding Keystone Heights Elementary School.  Water stations are located at mile 1, 2.25 and the start/finish area.   For a map of the course please click the following link HERE 

Awards:

The top three overall male and female finishers will receive an award. Awards will be based on time. In addition, the top male and female finisher in the following categories will be recognized as well: 9 and under, 10-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, over 70 and wheelchair division.

Registration:

$30 until May 15th

$35 May 16th - July 3rd 

$45 Day of Race 

Race Day Registration ($45) is available until 7:55 am, and no later (t-shirt size is not guaranteed). 

Dry fit performance T-shirts are guaranteed to all participants who register prior to June 13th at 5:00 p.m. T-shirt sizes are S, M, L and XL.

You have the option to run the event in memory or honor of a loved one.  

Volunteers:

If you would like to volunteer for the race, please email: admin@jordancooperscholarship.org or text/call (904) 509-7697. We appreciate any and all support!

Sponsors:

We are in need of sponsors and in-kind donations. There are multiple levels of sponsorship available from $250-$2500. If you would like to sponsor the Freedom 5k the deadline is May 22, 2026. Please email: admin@jordancooperscholarship.org to receive more details on sponsorship opportunities. You may also call (904) 509-7697 and leave a message and someone will return your call.