William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K

Join us for one of the last 5k's of the year and let's leave 2026 in the dust! The race will start and end at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. All proceeds will go toward the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Fund for the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower.

9am start time

The 5K Freedom Run at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park will take place at 9 a.m. on December 26, 2026. 
The park is located at 20499 Edgewater Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Packet Pickup race morning:
@ Large Pavilion at 20499 Edgewater Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. starting at 7:30am
(ALL Registration will be open ONLINE. You must bring a phone to register.) NO CASH

The run will start in the park beginning the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower Plaza. Runners will make their way past athletic courts, as well as a Military themed playground and the Charlotte County Liberty Tree, on their way to the scenic Port Charlotte
Beach. The runners will follow their way back to the park for refreshments and the announcements of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners by age category.
 
This is a chance for the whole family to get outside after Christmas and exercise together. Runners will receive Freedom Run t-shirts, and dog tag shaped medals for the top runners in various age categories. 
To sign up, please visit wrgainesjr.org/5k.

For more information
please contact Michael Gaines at 813-785-6709 or
[email protected].

Family/Dog-Friendly event. 
Fruit, energy bars, water will be available after the run.

View the course Map Please stay on the Sidewalks as the streets will not be closed.
Course Map

Veterans Discount is available

Per USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money winners and time bonus recipients. Tag time (chip time) will be used to determine all age-group