It takes commitment, lots of time and lots of support to do a marathon.

I am not referring to the runners; I am talking about the volunteers who made the Freedom’s Run event on Saturday, Oct. 3, such a resounding success.

Hundreds of people helped at aid stations, timed the runners, distributed T-shirts, managed the race course, coordinated the kids fun run, gave out fruit and water, registered runners, managed vendors, answered questions, picked up trash, marked the course with orange cones – you get the idea! Before the race, volunteers met continuously to plan and promote the event.

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella and Lois Turco led the volunteer effort. Community members helped by serving on committees, sub-committees and sub-sub-committees to get everything done.

All race participants crossed the finish line in the football stadium at Shepherd University to cheers from the grandstands. I would have liked all the volunteers to do the same; their accomplishments were equally impressive.

Lyn Widmyer

Charles Town