Events
Place
1850 Pisacano Drive
Lexington, KY US 40511
Description
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!
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
A Life Well Lived - Ride On 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!
Lexington Public Safety Museum - Our Race Beneficiary
The Lexington Public Safety Museum is dedicated to preserving, collecting, and exhibiting the history of all public safety agencies within Fayette County, Kentucky. We serve as ambassadors and advocates for public safety, promoting safety awareness, diversity, and collective heritage.
Educational Exhibits - The Museum has a large collection of historical public safety items. The museum is pursuing a new permanent home to allow it to once again make the items and displays available to the public. For now, the collection is in secured storage.
Safety Awareness Programs - Once the Museum establishes a permanent place of operations programs that incorporate the museums members, artifacts, and experiences can be offered to the public and professional groups to enhance safety awareness.
Race Logo
Race Swag - Commemorative Poly/Cotton Unisex Sized Shirts!
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.
Race Awards --- Coffee Mugs & Tie Dye Socks
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+)
