William R, Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

Join us for one of the last 5k's of the year and let's leave 2025 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.

⏰ Race Details

• Date: December 27, 2025
• Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, 20414 Edgewater Dr., Port Charlotte, FL 33952

📦 Packet Pickup

• Location: Charlie Foxtrot on Friday, December 26th from 5-6:30 DIRECTIONS
• Race Morning: Packet Pickup at the park starting at 7:30 a.m.
• Note: ALL Registration will be open ONLINE. You must bring a phone to register. NO CASH.

🏞️ Race Course

The run will start in the park beginning at the sixty foot American flag pole. Attendees will be surrounded by memorials dedicated to our Military & First Responders, and a Gold Star Families Marker. 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. After reaching the beach, 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 bring in the New Year. 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.

📞 Contact Information

For more information, please contact Michael Gaines at 813-785-6709 or michael.gaines@wrgainesjr.org.

🐶 Event Accessibility

This is a family/dog-friendly event. Fruit, energy bars, and water will be available after the run.

🗺️ Course Map

View the course map here. Please stay on the sidewalks as the streets will not be closed. COURSE CHANGED- TURN DOWN COLLEEN ST> CHARLOTTE BEACH PARK CLOSED

• Course Map

🎖️ Discounts

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 winners.