“FREEDOM STARTS HERE" 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The "FREEDOM STARTS HERE" 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run is more than a race, it’s a run with a purpose. This charity run will raise awareness and funding for the Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge.

• Charity Purpose: Raising awareness and funding for the Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge.
• Recovery Programs: A faith-centered program for those struggling with life-controlling addiction.
• Support Services: Offers long-term residential recovery, regional support groups, and a Military Specialization Program.
• Join Us: Run together towards recovery, resiliency, and new beginnings!

📍 Event Details

The event will take place at 8am on Saturday January 10, 2026 at the Sandhills Community College Campus and run along the Reservoir Park trail network. The start line will be located near Sandhills Community College Sports Complex at 395 Wilbur Blvd, Pinehurst, NC.

• Location: 395 Wilbur Blvd, Pinehurst, NC 28374 View Map
• Weather Date: In case of winter weather, the event will be rescheduled to January 17, 2026.

🏅 Race Categories

The event will host three race categories:

• 10K Run/Walk
• 5K Run/Walk
• 1-Mile Run/Walk

🎽 Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be the evening prior, Friday, January 09, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Sandhills Horticulture Gardens located at 3245 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC.

• Location: 3245 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374 View Map
• Same Day Registration: Available Saturday from 6:30am-7:30am.

💧 Aid Stations

This is a self-paced fun run/walk. The event is intended to build community wellness and resiliency while raising awareness and funds for a great cause. The event organizer will have aid stations set up at the start/finish line and along the route with water, Gatorade, and snacks. Participants can set up personal tents, tables, and aid stations in the park area by the start/finish line.

• Prizes: There will be prizes for the top male and female in each event category.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities

Things to do for families and spectators. Reservoir Park offers plenty of scenic hiking trails, playgrounds, and fishing. The nearby towns of Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinehurst offer plenty of shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. There will also be food trucks and activities on site.

🌤️ Weather Information

January weather in Moore County is typically cooler in the mornings with temperatures in the mid-30s and mild to pleasant by mid-day with temperatures in the mid-50s. Warm to hot with pleasant morning temperatures.

🎽 Participant Perks

All participants will receive an official race t-shirt and finishers medal. T-shirts cannot be guaranteed for registrations after January 01, 2026.

🔗 More Information

To learn more please visit the Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge website: About Us - Adult & Teen Challenge Sandhills.

For race registration, visit: FREEDOM STARTS HERE Race Registration.