VCG - Freedom 5K (Friendswood) - Nov 7th, 2026 (7:30AM)

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

Volunteers—Posted here on RunSignUp on August 10th, volunteer section. Must attend one Zoom call meeting. Show up by 6:30 AM. A free T-shirt is is included. 

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 - Lattes
• St. Arnold's Brewery—Official Beer Sponsor!
• BMW—Official Car Sponsor!
• Free slice of pizza for each participant!
• Patriotic Veterans Weekend Atmosphere
• Community Vendor Canopies
• Professional DJ / music / professional announcer
• The mayor of Friendswood will give the pre-national anthem speech

• 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. Our goal is to be able to give a few grants to deserving veterans. 

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:
[email protected]

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