Run for Freedom, 5K and 10K, + Ruck 2026

About Run for Freedom, 5K and 10K, + Ruck

Join us for the 4th Annual Rest Stop Ministries Run for Freedom, formerly the Half and Half Marathon, featuring a Half Marathon(13.1 miles), 10K(6.2 miles), 5K(3.1 miles), 10K Ruck, and 5K Ruck.

The race begins at Mt. Juliet High School and winds through the greenway, Charlie Daniels Park, and local neighborhoods before finishing back at the high school. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Whether you are a seasoned runner, first-time runner, walker, or rucker, there is a distance for everyone.

Since its inception, this event has benefited Rest Stop Ministries and it's mission to restore survivors and stop the oppression of human trafficking. While the race was previously branded as the Half and Half Marathon, we are excited to continue growing this community event under a name that more directly reflects the life-changing mission it has always supported.

All proceeds directly benefit Rest Stop Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit providing long-term residential restoration, workforce development, and ongoing support for adult female survivors of human trafficking. Through the generosity of participants, sponsors, and donors, survivors receive housing, counseling, medical care, life skills training, and employment support at no cost to them. Please click DONATE if you would like to make an additional gift to support the mission of Rest Stop Ministries.

Thank you for joining us as we "Run for Freedom" and help create hope, healing, and lasting restoration for survivors.

All participants will receive a custom Half Marathon, 5K, 10K (tbd) and a customized finishing medal (register by tbd to guarantee item giveaway). There are also awards for the top finishers in select age categories.

5k, 10k, Half Marathon Age Groups (Male/Female):

18 & under 19-29 30-39 40-49 50+

Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd place Male/Female

5k Ruck & 10k Ruck:

Overall 1st place Male/Female

This race will have a mass start and will be chip timed.

Rucking Division:

We’re excited to offer a Rucking Division for this race. For those new to the concept, rucking involves walking or hiking with a weighted pack. The term comes from the military word “Rucksack,” meaning “Backpack."

Weight Requirements:

Over 150lb: 20lb dry weight Under 150lb: 10lb dry weight

Weigh-ins will occur 45 minutes before the race starts—no weigh-in, no finishers medal. The weight must be in the form of a steel ruck plate, weight vest blocks, bumper plates, or other items with clearly stamped weight. Participants may not remove or reduce the weight during the event and may face random checks at aid stations or anywhere on the course. We rely on the honor system, so please do the right thing.

Note: Due to awards being given to the top Male and Female Rucking Division finisher those winners must have competed in a Ruck. (Weighted Backpack). Weighted vests, plate carriers etc. which distribute weight away from the back are not eligible for the prizes awarded.

Links to Course Maps: Half Marathon (2 loops) 10K (Run and Ruck) 5K (Run and Ruck)

Packet Pick-Up:

Friday, November 13th Time: TBD

AT Billy Goat Coffee Cafe 3690 N Mt Juliet Rd #100 Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, November 14th from 7:30am-8:30am

Race Day Schedule for "Run for Freedom" in Mount Juliet, TN:

Note: You may pick up friends' and family’s packets as long as you have their registration QR code (they will receive this in email the week of the race).

Start/Finish/Parking: Right Side of Mount Juliet High School

7:30 am - 8:30 am - Registration and Packet Pick Up

9:00 am - Half Marathon, 10k, 5k start

Switching Your Distance: VERY IMPORTANT FOR ACCURATE RESULTS

If you wish to change your race distance, please reach out to the race director prior to race day or during packet pick up. If you would like to defer to a shorter distance, no refund will be given for the difference in price. If you would like to upgrade distance, you will be req