About the race

Every summer, the Goodridge Veterans Freedom Festival unites our community to honor veterans and celebrate the freedoms earned through their service. As part of the festival, the Freedom Run is back, inviting everyone to run, walk, and show support for our veterans. In 2026, we’re excited to continue our traditional 5K while also adding a new endurance-style event—the Backyard Ultra—to expand our reach and raise even more support for veterans.

Race Start: 7:00 PM
Check-In: 6:00 PM

Freedom 5K Run/Walk:
Our annual 5K is a family-friendly event for runners and walkers of all levels—whether you’re racing, jogging, or walking in support of veterans.

Course Note:
The 5K will start at the same time as the Backyard Ultra. 5K participants will turn around on course to complete the 5K route. This race remains the foundation of the event, and we are grateful for everyone who comes back year after year to support this cause.
Note: there will be no awards for the 5k but we will still be tracking runners and their race times.
Pre-registration is appreciated but not required.
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NEW! Goodridge Backyard Ultra:
For 2026, we’re excited to introduce a Backyard Ultra-style endurance race for runners looking for an additional challenge—all in support of the same mission. Inspired by the original Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, this race follows the traditional backyard format and is designed for endurance runners who enjoy pushing their limits in a supportive, community-driven environment.

The Format
• A 4.167-mile loop must be completed every hour, on the hour
• Runners have the remainder of each hour to rest, refuel, and prepare
• The race continues until only one runner remains
• Runners completing 24 hours earn an award.
• The last runner standing is the winner and receives a unique prize

Start Time: Starts Friday, July 25 at 7:00 PM, alongside the 5K

Course:
• Single-loop course starting and finishing near the A.C. Tvedt Park
• Terrain is very flat and runnable, likely the flattest course in the world. Additional course details will be shared closer to race day

Support & Aid:
• Crews are permitted but not required
• Runners must provide their own nutrition and supplies
• A designated area will be available for chairs, coolers, and small personal items
• Tents may be set up in the designated area near the start/finish

Key Rules:
• Runners must be present in the starting corral at the top of each hour
• No late starts once the hour begins
• No pacing or outside aid while on the loop
• Runners may choose to stop at any time (DNF)
• All runners except the final finisher will receive a DNF, with total distance recorded
(A more detailed runner guide will be shared with Backyard Ultra registrants.)

All proceeds from the Goodridge Freedom Run support the Warrior Trail Foundation, a nonprofit that helps veterans heal through trail running—providing opportunities to race, connect, and rediscover purpose through movement and community. Feel free to learn more about the Warrior Trail Foundation by visiting their website: https://warriortrail.org/

T-Shirt Policy
• Registrations received by July 13 are guaranteed a T-shirt
• Registrations after July 13 are not guaranteed a shirt, but we’ll do our best to accommodate sizes while supplies last

Event's current local time: 1:52 PM CT