“FREEDOM STARTS HERE" 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run

“FREEDOM STARTS HERE" 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run Race Information

<p><strong>FREEDOM STARTS HERE&#34; 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run</strong> is more than a race, it’s a run with a purpose.  This charity run will raise awareness and funding for the <strong>Sandhills Adult &amp; Teen Challenge.</strong>  Sandhills Adult &amp; Teen Challenge is a faith-centered recovery program for those struggling with life-controlling addiction.   <br /> <br />Join us as we run together towards recovery, resiliency, and new beginnings! <br /> <br />All proceeds from this event less the operating costs will go to charity.  To learn more please visit the Sandhills Adult &amp; Teen Challenge website: About Us - Adult &amp; Teen Challenge Sandhills<br /> <br />The event will take place at <strong>8am on Saturday January 10, 2026, </strong>and run along the scenic Reservoir Park loop and Whitehall trail in Southern Pines.  The route will be well maintained and well-marked<strong>.  </strong></p> <p>In the case of winter weather, we will hold the event at the same location January 17, 2026. </p> <p><strong>The event will host three race categories: </strong></p> <ul><li><strong>10K Run/Walk</strong></li><li><strong>5K Run/Walk</strong></li><li><strong>1-Mile Run/Walk</strong></li></ul> <p><strong>***UPDATED PACKET PICKUP INFO*** </strong>The packet pickup location has changed to Hardee Park in Whispering Pines located at 10 Hardee Lane. Packet pickup will be the evening prior, Friday January 09, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 PM.  <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdRqs8fiJCiLuWkD6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://maps.app.goo.gl/EdRqs8fiJCiLuWkD6</a></p> <p><strong>Same day registration and pickup</strong> will be available Saturday January 10, from 6:30am-7:30am at the start line. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aerWd6q1a4e982Na8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://maps.app.goo.gl/aerWd6q1a4e982Na8</a></p> <p><strong>Race Day:</strong> The event will start at 8am on Saturday January10, 2026.  The race runs along the Reservoir Park and Whitehall trail network.</p> <p><strong>Parking and Start Line Info:</strong> Please park in the Faulkner parking lot Sandhills Community College off Earhart Drive Pinehurst NC, 28374.  The start line is located at tailhead near the Palmer Trades Center. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxGPemuRQZEionqq7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxGPemuRQZEionqq7</a></p> <p>The event is intended to build community wellness and resiliency while raising awareness and funds for a great cause.  The event organizer will have aid stations set up at the start finish line and along the route with water, Gatorade, and snacks. </p> <p><strong>There will be prizes for the top male and female in each event category. </strong></p> <p><strong>Things to do for families and spectators. </strong>Reservoir Park offers plenty of scenic hiking trails, playgrounds, and fishing.  The nearby towns of Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinehurst offer plenty of shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. There will also be food trucks and activities on site. </p> <p><strong>Weather: </strong>January weather in Moore County is typically cooler in the mornings with temperatures in the mid-30s and mild to pleasant by mid-day with temperatures in the mid-50s.  warm to hot with pleasant morning temperatures. </p> <p><strong>Participants will receive an official race t-shirt and finishers medal.  T-shirts cannot be guaranteed for registrations after Jan 01, 2026. </strong></p>