Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! 2026
- Date
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Start time
- 8:45 AM start (Chicago)
- Location
- Emporia, Kansas
- Entry fee
- From Free · goes up to $45 on Oct 12, 2026
- Included with entry
- Includes a hat
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
Registration is open.
We earn a small commission when you register through this link, at no cost to you. Details
Official race websiteAdd to calendar: Apple or Outlook · Google
Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Site: High Gear Freedom Race: 52 Miler Freedom Race | Ultra | Nov 7, 20268:45 AM | $35$45 after Oct 12, 2026 | – |
| On-Site: LCSB/USD 252 Honor Flight (SGT Timmerman) 25 Miler Freedom Ride | Other | Nov 7, 20269:00 AM | $35$45 after Oct 12, 2026 | 100 |
| Southern Star - Warrior Spur Challenge (Run/Ride/Spur Lane) | Ultra | Nov 7, 20269:15 AM | $35$65 after Oct 12, 2026 | 100 |
| Wagon Wheel Freedom Run On-Site 5K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll | 5K | Nov 7, 20269:15 AM | $35$45 after Oct 11, 2026 | 100 |
| On-site: Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Ruck March | Other | Nov 7, 20269:30 AM | $35$55 after Oct 12, 2026 | 350 |
| Kids Mini Mission Dash | Kids | Nov 7, 202610:00 AM | Free | 100 |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The Ultra fee goes up to $45 on Oct 12, 2026.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- On-Site: High Gear Freedom Race: 52 Miler Freedom Race: $35 until Oct 12, then $45 until Nov 5, then $55 until Nov 8.
- On-Site: LCSB/USD 252 Honor Flight (SGT Timmerman) 25 Miler Freedom Ride: $35 until Oct 12, then $45 until Nov 6, then $55 until Nov 8.
- Southern Star - Warrior Spur Challenge (Run/Ride/Spur Lane): $35 until Oct 12, then $65 until Nov 6, then $75 until Nov 8.
- Wagon Wheel Freedom Run On-Site 5K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll: $35 until Oct 4, then $45 until Nov 6, then $55 until Nov 8.
Online registration closes Nov 8, 2026, unless the race fills first.
How the price compares
At $35, entry is about 13 percent above a typical 5K in Kansas, which costs $31 right now.
What a typical finish looks like
A typical finisher at a 5K in Kansas runs 37:50, about 12:11 a mile, based on 124 races with published results. Women typically finish in 41:00 and men in 32:55.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:56 AM, and the On-Site: High Gear Freedom Race: 52 Miler Freedom Race starts at 8:45 AM. The start sits about 1,160 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
931 South Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Typical race-day weather
Around November 7 the day usually runs from 42°F at dawn to 62°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 17% of days. Cold snaps dip to 30°F and hot years reach 72°F.
Based on 70 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- 931 South Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 1,160 feet
- Included with entry
- fleece cap; Fleece Cap; Cap
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- 5K, Ultra, Kids, Other
- Editions
- 2026 (Nov 7, 2026), 2025 (Nov 8, 2025), 2024 (Nov 9, 2024), 2023 (Sep 11, 2023), 2022 (Nov 5, 2022), 2021 (Nov 6, 2021)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize!?
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at Free before processing fees, and rises to $45 on Oct 12, 2026.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Nov 8, 2026, unless the race fills first.
- Is the entry fee high for Kansas?
- At $35, entry is about 13 percent above a typical 5K in Kansas, which costs $31 right now.
- Do runners get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a hat, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances can I run?
- 5K, Ultra, Kids, Other.
- Where does it start?
- 931 South Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801.
From the organizers
WELCOME TO OUR AMAZING 23rd Emporia Freedom Fest! Emporia Freedom Fest is a series of community events bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, mingle and honor all Veterans and their families. This event provides annual charitable support to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial; the 137th & 635th Regimental Scholarship Fund, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Fund, USD 252 South Lyon County Honor Flight program, and the KSARNG Enlisted Association Programs.
Visit our website - emporiafreedomfest.org for all the details and use this site to register. Registration is live the 1st of July. Virtual events start on Patriots Day (9/11) and end on Veterans Day (11/07).