Accepting $5000 check from Charles Town Races and Slots, From Left to right Cheryl Keyrouze, Lois Turco, Mark Cucuzzella, Phyllis LeTart, Annette Gavin, and Tom Shantz. In back row is Chris Amores.

The Freedom’s Run Kickoff Night was held this past Saturday, Sept. 12, at Ridgefield Farm off Kidwiler Road. The free event had something for everyone, including a walk, bike rides through the orchard and a fun walk.

There were several events for the children. This event was a kickoff to the October third “Freedom’s Run” marathon, slated for Oct. 3.

The marathon will held to benefit the Wild and Wonderful Trails for Every Child project and The Washington’s Way West Heritage Alliance. The marathon will celebrate the region’s rich history, community health, and the joy of running through four National Parks.

The route for the Marathon traces several paths of our nations history.

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella is the Race director for Freedom’s Run.

“This event has been created and supported in a amazing way by local citizens for the purpose of promoting community health for families,” he said. “We hope the momentum gained here will lead to more children and families taking to the local trails and in the process, building a healthier community.”

With less than a month before race day, nearly 1,000 entries have been recived for the five planned events.

All participants in the events will receive a T-shirt and a commemorative poster with a historical narration of the course.

Freedom’s Run features five events for runners & walkers of all ages and abilities. The events allow runners and walkers to explore the land in a challenging and scenic marathon connecting Harpers Ferry National Park, The C&O Canal, The Potomac Heritage Trail, and Antietam National Battlefield; a half marathon through Antietam and the C&O; a 5K and 10K crossing the Potomac and running out and back on the C&O; and a kids fun run touring historic Shepherdstown. Events finish on Shepherd University football field.

Several post race events are also planned such as parties and live music. One of the events will be held on the Shepherd University Green and Oktoberfest which will be sponsored by Yuengling at the Bavarian Inn. Free pint glass and the first beer is free to all participants 21 or older.

Runners also will receive a reusable backpack for their gear, water bottles to encourage “carry and fill” at aid stations, and a Freedom’s Run pint glass for the post race Oktoberfest.

“Our group is also anxiously waiting for the final word on a 4-years Robert Wood Johnson Healthy Communities Grant,” Cucuzzella said. “We have built the event this year (and) we hope in future years will raise attention and funds to our initiative to build gardens and fitness trails at every grade and middle school in the county.”

For more information about Freedom’s Run or to volunteer your help with the event or to register go to www.freedomsrun.org

You may also Contact race director Dr. Mark Cucuzzella at mark@freedomsrun.org or by phone at mobile (304) 268-8813 or Internet media director Bill Bondurant bill@freedomsrun.org mobile (571) 332-3199.