Freedom 5K Design2

The Knoxville Cancer Relay is taking over the annual 4th of July Freedom 5K. 

The Independence Day tradition continues this year along a familiar route, but with new leadership – the Knoxville Cancer Relay team. The 5K event starts at 8 a.m. on July 4th, beginning and ending outside Knoxville City Hall, 305 S. 3rd St. It follows the traditional course, including Knoxville’s Competine Trail. 

Proceeds of the 5K will bolster the team’s 2025 support of the American Cancer Society. In its 11-year history, the KCR team has raised more than $280,000 for cancer research, patient treatment and support. Last Thanksgiving, the team hosted a rebirth of Knoxville’s “Turkey Trot” 5K, raising $2,000 to launch its 2025 campaign. Pat Finan with the cancer relay encourages everyone to participate in the event, whether they’re a runner or not.

“It is an event where you can get out there, we have some really competitive runners and we have some people who just want to get out there and walk off some calories before they hit the brats and the beer for the 4th of July. It’s a little bit like the Turkey Trot, you work off the guilt in the morning and then you can have a great day and eat all you want.”

Runners and walkers can register online or up to 7:45 am. on the day of the event. Registration is $25, and those who sign up before June 22nd are guaranteed to receive a T-shirt. The top three men and women finishers, along with the top three youth (under 18) will receive medals. You can register for the event here.