Freebird 5K

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 AT 8:00AM AT COLDSTREAM DOG PARK/LEGACY TRAIL

RACE FEATURES:

• Flat/fast and scenic course at Coldstream Park/Legacy Trail
• Commemorative unisex sized T-shirts (Or select the No Shirt option)
• 5K Run/Walk, 1 Miler (untimed) Fun Walk & Virtual Option
• 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+)
• Free Race Photos (Thanks Paul Martin Photography) & Finish Line Photo Contest
• Social Teams to Enhance Your Race Experience (Prize for the largest team)
• Convenient race morning Packet Pickup at Coldstream Park
• Food, fun and fellowship as we honor a great Lexingtonian and his legacy

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.

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 as 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 Cessna 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! 

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 as 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 Cessna he loved the feeling of the wind.  He loved feeling free!  Our 5K was founded In honor of Charlie’s legacy in public safety.  

This is the inaugural race!  We plan to make this bigger and better in the years to come.  Fly high Charlie O' ---- Freebird! 

Awards will be presented to the Overall Top 3 M/F and Top 3 M/F in the following age groups (0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)

Get one while they last!  We have commemorative race shirts in unisex sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL & 4XL.  Once a size sells out that is it.