Fun Fourth Freedom Run

Fun Fourth Freedom Run is kicking off a full day of festivities in Downtown Greensboro on Saturday July 4th, 2026.

There truly is an event distance for any and everyone!
10K - 5K - 1 mile fun run/walk.  All events include a shirt!

NO EXCUSES TO MISS OUT!

Participants can enjoy post run celebrations in beautiful Center City Park with music, libations (for those 21+) and more.

Stay downtown post-race for more Live Music and Fun Fourth Festival Fun!

Turn by Turn Directions:

1. Start and head north on Davie St.(will turn into Summit)
2. Left on Lindsay St.
3. Right on Elm St.
4. Turnaround before intersection of Fisher Ave./Murrow Blvd. & Elm St. (
5. Left on E Lindsay St.
6. Right on Summit Ave.
7. Continue to the finish line

Turn by Turn Directions:

1. Start and head north on Davie St.
2. Left on Abe Brenner Pl
3. Right on Elm St.
4. Water Stop #1 - Mile 1.2 (5K & 10K) and Mile 5.2 (10K)
5. Left on Country Club
6. Water Stop #2 - Mile 3.1 (10K only)
7. Left on Sunset
8. Right on Elm St.
9. Left on Abe Brenner Pl
10. Right on Davie St. 
11. Continue to the finish! 

Turn by Turn Directions:

1. Start and head north on Davie St.
2. Left on Abe Brenner Pl.
3. Right on Elm St.
4. Continue on Elm St.
5. Water Stop #1 - Mile 1.2 and 2.2
6. Turnaround at 5K turnaround sign (near intersection of Meadowbrook Terrace & Elm St.)
7. Continue on Elm St.
8. Left on Abe Brenner Pl.
9. Right on Davie St.
10. Continue to the finish!

Click map to view elevation profile

Turn by Turn

1. Start and head north on Davie St.(will turn into Summit)
2. Left on Lindsay
3. Right on Elm
4. Turnaround at 5K turnaround sign
5. Left on Lindsay
6. Right on Summit
7. Continue to the finish

Can I register on race day?

You can register race day if we don't sell out! Visit registration/ packet pickup table prior to race start. 

How can I check to see if I am registered?

Click HERE and enter your name in search box.

What do I get with my registration?

• All race participants will receive a runner tank. This event sells out, so register as soon as registration opens! If a tank is not available in your size, we are sold out.  (You must register 2 weeks prior to event to guarantee a tank.)
• Snacks and beer (21 and up).

What can expect on the course?

The race starts and finishes at Center City Park in the heart of downtown Greensboro. The course continues through Fisher Park along rolling terrain throughout areas of the city. Freedom Run kicks off Greensboro's annual street festival, American block party & fireworks show in First National Bank Stadium. Enjoy all that Greensboro a full day with family, friends and fun!

Can I walk the event?

We love our walkers. We ask walkers to be aware that course time limits are race specific. You must complete the race in 2 hours or less (19 min./mile) as to reopen course, Streets will reopen at 10AM and will have local traffic. Please abide by traffic laws and officers will be on course at busy intersections. If you fall below this pace, we can unfortunately no longer guarantee course support—which is paramount for your safety. Aid stations, medical support, portable toilets, and road closures will start to become unavailable to participants. The local police and race organizers will ask you to reroute to a shorter version of the course or move up onto the sidewalk where you will be required to obey regular traffic laws.

Who can direct me along the course?

We strive to ensure a safe and well-marked course for all participants.  The course will have signage, course monitors and local law enforcement will be present at key intersections and turns. However, course monitors are the only volunteers with course info.  Law enforcement WILL NOT have course info. 

Can my friends and family track me during the event?

Yes!  Family, friends and all can track your progress during the event! We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for the Fun Fourth Freedom Run. Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!

Some key RaceJoy features include:

• GPS Progress Alerts
• Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.
• Live GPS Tracking
• Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.
• Send-a-Cheer
• Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.
• Virtual Results (virtual events only)
• Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.
• To use RaceJoy, you must carry your phone and activate tracking on the day you complete your race.
• Download the app HERE

What is a pacer? And do I have to pay to run with a pacer?

The role of a pacer is to support you in reaching your goal finish time by keeping to their assigned pace. Pace Groups are FREE. 

How do I know who the pacers are? How do I find the pacers?

Pacers available for the 10K distance only.  Pacers designated by an official pacer shirt, will wear shirts and hold pacer flags indicating race time. You can meet the pacers pre-race at (TBA) 30 minutes prior to the race or look for their flags at the start line.

What are the pace groups for the 10K? 

45 (7:15 per mile) 
50 (8:03 per mile) 
55 (8:52 per mile) 
60 (9:40 per mile) 
65 (10:29 per mile) 
75 (12:05 per mile)
Sweeper 5K 
Sweeper 10K 

Where are the aid stations?

Race participants will receive hydration (water and/or electrolytes) at the following course locations:

Water Stop #1 - 5K & 10K

1100 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

https://goo.gl/maps/hWvL8kXybTMGYBsXA

Water Stop #2 - 10K only
1208 Country Club Dr, Greensboro, NC 27408

https://goo.gl/maps/15M7rXfnjC9CWx1t9

We strongly encourage participants to carry hydration during the event if conditions are hot and humid. Volunteers will remain at a safe distance from participants and ask that you grab your own hydration.

Things to do in the area with family and friends?

Freedom Run kicks off Greensboro's Fun Fourth Festival. Enjoy all that Greensboro a full day with family, friends and fun featuring entertainment!

Are strollers and dogs allowed?

Running baby strollers are allowed but must have a minimum of 6″ wheels. We love furry friends, but we ask that they stay at home during the event.

What are my options if a "live" event is postponed or cancelled?

In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available at a location to be determined. 

What is your race day cancellation policy?

In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available at a location to be determined.

What if I am registered and cannot participate or need to make a change to my registration?

We do not offer refunds. We do offer race insurance for purchase through a third party, who offer other options. Please view the Race Insurance tab for more details.

Can I use inline skates?

We do not allow, bicycles, inline skates or any means of transportation other than running, walking or wheelchairs.  Race Director reserves the right to reject any entry or to remove any participant from the race course without explanation.

Downtown Greensboro and the Triad area offer's several accommodations for out of town guests.  Please click here to find lodging near the festivities!

Record Holder's

Fastest 10K Male - Hugh Carlson (2025) 32:12

Fastest 10K Female - Ester Erb (2014) 36:24 

Fastest 5K Male - Sterling Sharpe (2021) 15:58

Fastest 5K Female - Sarah Swertfeger  (2021) 18:02

Turn by Turn Directions:

1. Start and head north on Davie St.
2. Left on Abe Brenner Pl.
3. Right on Elm St.
4. Turnaround before intersection of Fisher Ave./Murrow Blvd. & Elm St. (turnaround cone & volunteer will be present)
5. Left on Able Brenner Pl
6. Right on Davie St.
7. Continue to the finish line!

What is a pacer? And do I have to pay to run with a pacer?

The role of a pacer is to support you in reaching your goal finish time by keeping to their assigned pace. Pace Groups are FREE. 

What is a sweeper?

During the race, it's the sweeper's responsibility to stay at the back of the pack and make sure everyone running finishes or, if they drop out, they get back to the start safely. Obviously, this means running at a pace as slow or slower than the last runner, which can sometimes mean walking part of the course.

How do I know who the pacers are? How do I find the pacers?

Pacers available for the half marathon distance. Pacers designated by an official pacer shirt, will wear shirts and hold pacer flags indicating race time. You can meet the pacers pre-race 30 minutes prior to the race or look for their signs at the start line.

What are the pace groups for the half marathon (pace group availability is subject to change)? 

45 (7:15 per mile) 
55 (8:52 per mile) 
60 (9:40 per mile) 
65 (10:29 per mile) 
75 (12:05 per mile)
Sweeper 5K 
Sweeper 10K 

Early Packet Pickup:

Check back for updates!

• Please note, you may pick up race packets for friends or family.
• To make race day as smooth as possible for all runners, staff, and volunteers, we are requiring runners to pick up packets (race number, shirt, swag) at the location listed above. Again, friends or family ARE PERMITTED to pick up race packets.
• There will be race day pick up reserved only for those that have no other means of themselves or another to get their race items at early pick up.

Limited Race Day Packet Pickup:

Saturday, July 4
6:30 AM - 7:30AM  
The Lawn of Center City Park, 211 North Davie Street, 
Greensboro, NC US 27401

Free parking is available at parking decks below and both are within walking distance to race site:

• Church Street Parking Deck – 215 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401
• February One Parking Deck - 110 S. Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401
• Greene Street Deck Parking Garage - 211 S Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401

Schedule of Events

Location: Downtown Greensboro, 211 North Davie Street, Greensboro, NC US 27401

Limited Packet Pick Up:
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM - The Lawn of Center City Park
Please note-participants are required to attend early packet pick up. Please see the packet pick up tab for details.

7:30 AM – 10K Start
8:00 AM – 5K Start
8:05 AM – 1-mile Fun Run

8:15 AM -- Beer Service Begins 

9:00 AM - Awards: 10K followed immediately by 5K

Stay in downtown GSO for the Fun Fourth Freedom Festival!

The Fun Fourth Festival has everything your family needs to celebrate the 4th!  Costume contest, Old-fashioned games, wagon decorating, music and even roller skating! There's something for everyone at Fun Fourth!

If you are interested in gaining more exposure for your business and would like to partner with Downtown Greensboro Inc to make this a great event, please email keith@downtowngreensboro.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Fun Fourth Freedom Run is fitness + fun for all ages!

Grab your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, workout buddies, ANYONE!
Create a team for FREE

• Teams of 10 or more will be recognized on race day!
• The largest team will win a custom plaque and bragging rights for a full year.

Don't forget, you can use your unique referral code to share with your team and to encourage others to register.
When 3 or more participants register using your unique code you can get a refund of up to $10.00!

It pays to share your referral code and recruit team members to join your team!

Register Now!

Overall

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Male and Female Overall will be awarded in both the 10K and 5K 

10K Age Groups 

1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded for Male and Female in the 10K in the following categories:
19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
**Age Groups are subject to change at the discretion of the Race Director based on participation.
 

5K Age Groups

1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded for Male and Female in 5K in the following categories:
14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-75, 75+
**Age Groups are subject to change at the discretion of the Race Director based on participation.

**You MUST pick up awards on race day. If you have to leave before the awards ceremony, please check at the Junction 311 tent and we will get your award. Awards WILL NOT be mailed or be available for pickup after race day.

What if I run the event virtually?

All virtual race participants must do the following to receive race schwag:

• Run your distance anywhere, anytime!
• Track your time with a watch or fitness app
• Report your time on our results page by clicking "Submit Virtual Results" at the top of the page. Results can be submitted anytime between June 20th - July 4th (11:59PM EST). Don't forget to share your virtual race photos!
• Pick up Packet at any locations listed here.
• Friends or family can pickup your virtual packets as well!  If you are running in a different state, county etc. and cannot pick up your packet, we can make other arrangements or mail to you.
• We appreciate your support and happy running!
   

Race participants will receive hydration (water and/or electrolytes) at the following course locations:

Water Stop #1 - 5K & 10K (Map)

1100 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

Water Stop #2 - 10K only (Map)
1208 Country Club Dr, Greensboro, NC 27408

We strongly encourage participants to carry hydration during the event if conditions are hot and humid.