Freebird 5K

Event Overview

Join us for the 2nd Annual Freebird 5K Run/Walk honoring the life & legacy of Charles "Charlie" O'Connell.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Location: Coldstream Dog Park/Legacy Trail, Lexington, KY
• Website: Freebird 5K Registration

Race Features

• Course: Flat/fast and scenic course at Coldstream Park/Legacy Trail
• Shirts: Commemorative unisex sized T-shirts (Or select the No Shirt option)
• Events: 5K Run/Walk, 1 Miler (untimed) Fun Walk & Virtual Option
• Awards: 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+)

Additional Highlights

• Photos: Free Race Photos (Thanks Paul Martin Photography) & Finish Line Photo Contest
• Social Teams: Social Teams to Enhance Your Race Experience (Prize for the largest team)
• Packet Pickup: Convenient race morning Packet Pickup at Coldstream Park
• Community: Food, fun and fellowship as we honor a great Lexingtonian and his legacy

Beneficiary

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.

In Memory of Charlie O'Connell

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 a 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 airplane 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!