Freed to Run Challenge 2026

Description

Freed to Run™ started in 2016 as a six marathons in six days point to point relay, from Tallahassee to Jacksonville, courthouse to courthouse, with teams covering the distance by taking turns throughout the day. For the next 7 years, Freed to Run™ raised money and awareness to support pediatric patients and their families in navigating legal obstacles that often impede their health outcomes. The result: $2.25 million raised and placed in an endowment to fully fund the North Florida Medical Legal Partnership.

Starting in 2023, we endeavored in an additional direction. We transformed Freed to Run™ into a 24 hour run over a half mile track around the Duval County Justice Complex. And, having funded one initiative, we set out to fund another: Shelter for Elders. - to help protect and enhance civil legal aid services for indigent seniors, particularly as it relates to housing issues - reverse mortgage foreclosure, door-to-door scams and other civil legal issues that directly impact the ability of our seniors to age in place throughout Northeast Florida.

Now for the 10th Annual event in 2026 we are shifting over to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on the Westside with more unique race distances and something for everyone while still fulfilling the mission of Freed to Run to continue to serve the Shelter for Elders community with much needed resources to serve their community.

To find out more about the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid whom is spearheading this initiative at the following link: Home - Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.

About Jala — Freed To Run

RACE DESCRIPTION: The course will be a 5k out and back loop on the beautiful and tree lined asphalt trail along the Cecil Field Recreational Trail that will loop back into the area that we call " Tent City" where everyone will have their tents lined up along the route for easy access to your gear. All distances will follow along the same route for their individual events.

12/6/3 Hour Distances: Run/walk as many 5k loops in the alloted time frame for each event

5k Ultra: This is a unique challenge where each participant runs the 5k loop beginning at the top of the hour, you will then begin the next 5k distance at the top of the next hour regardless of when you finished the last loop and continue for 10 consecutive hours to equal a 50k distance. You have to be finished with your previous loop in the hour limit or you will be considered a DNF- Did not finish.

12 hour relay: You can have up to 4-6 teammates and can run in any order you want with no restrictions on how many loops each individual runner accumulates, it is up to the team captain to communicate with each teammate and ensure that each teammate has signed a waiver to participate.

All participants will receive custom made medals and shirts as well as overall top 3 awards for each event and distance and if enough participants there will be age group awards for the 5k distances for the top 3 with at bare minimum at least 1st place Age Group winner for every 10 year age groups. We also have special awards that we will randomly give out as well and the HIGHLY coveted Slow A$$ award for the DFL peeps.

This event is managed by Sombrero Running Events whom are known for their hospitality and inclusion for ALL PARTICIPANTS and they follow the golden rule of RULE 62= Don't take yourself too darn seriously! Just know you will have a fun and enjoyable experience in a low key and welcoming environment for all.