William R. Gaines Jr. Freedom Run 5K
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Event information
The William R. Gaines Jr Freedom Run 5K is scheduled for December 27, 2025, in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park (Port Charlotte, FL 33952). The event includes the following distances:
- 5K
- FUN 1 Mile-ish walk
Entry fees listed on the event page show a $30 registration for the 5K (reduced fee of $20 for ages 1-18) and $30 for the fun walk. Race day registration is available online only and no cash will be accepted. A veterans discount is available. Per USATF rules, gun time is used for prize money and time bonuses while chip time is used for age-group results.
Course and logistics
The course starts and ends at the park and passes landmarks including the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower Plaza, athletic courts, a military-themed playground, the Charlotte County Liberty Tree, and Port Charlotte Beach before returning to the park. Packet pickup is offered at Charlie Foxtrot the day before the race and at the park on race morning; all registration is handled online. The event is described as family and dog-friendly. Post-race refreshments and snacks such as fruit, energy bars, and water will be available. Top finishers in age categories receive dog tag-shaped medals and participants receive Freedom Run t-shirts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.