Freedom Starts Here 10K Run

Event overview

The "FREEDOM STARTS HERE" event in Pinehurst, NC is a charity run held on Saturday January 10, 2026. It includes three race categories:

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

Entry fees listed are $40 for the 10K and 5K, and $25 for the 1-Mile. Online registration closes January 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. In case of winter weather, the event will be held at the same location on January 17, 2026.

Location, charity, and course

The event base is 395 Wilbur Blvd, Pinehurst, NC 28374, with parking available at Sandhills Community College near the Sports Complex. The routes run along the Reservoir Park loop and Whitehall Trail in Southern Pines and are described as well maintained and well marked. Proceeds, less operating costs, will support Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, a faith-centered recovery program offering long-term residential recovery for men, regional support groups, and a Military Specialization Program for veterans and active-duty troops.

Logistics and amenities

Packet pickup is scheduled the evening before, Friday January 9, 2026, at Sandhills Horticulture Gardens. Same-day registration and packet pickup are available on race day from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Aid stations will be located at the start/finish and along the route, supplying water, Gatorade, and snacks. Participants will receive an official race t-shirt and a finisher medal; t-shirts cannot be guaranteed for registrations after January 1, 2026. Prizes are planned for the top male and female in each category. Family activities include park trails, playgrounds, fishing, on-site food trucks, and nearby shops and restaurants. Typical January mornings in Moore County are in the mid-30s Fahrenheit, with mid-day temperatures often in the mid-50s. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.