Runners fly across the start line of the Freedom’s Run 10k on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The government shutdown may have meant that the 17th annual Freedom’s Run Race Series could not make use of the trails around Antietam National Battlefield this year, but that did not hold its organizers or runners back, in the slightest.

Around 1,100 people could be found running the Freedom’s Run marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and Kids Run on Saturday morning. This number was higher than last year’s, according to founder and organizer Dr. Mark Cucuzzella.

“We have about 100 more runners this year than we had last year,” Cucuzzella said. “Seventeen years ago we started this race series — it’s so exciting to see that it is still going strong.”

Two of the races in that series had, temporarily, been put in jeopardy when the government shutdown took place on Oct. 1. The shutdown, according to Cucuzzella, made it impossible for the Freedom’s Run’s half marathon and marathon to remain on their traditional routes, which pass through a number of the paths around Antietam National Battlefield. But just in the nick of time, another federal park jumped in to offer itself as a substitute.

“We are filled with gratitude for the people at the C&O Canal, who gave us the privilege to be able to use their park,” Cucuzzella said, of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

From left, Washington, D.C. residents Ashley and Jethro Pence hype up Ashley’s stepfather, Steve Lebischak, before the start of the Freedom’s Run half marathon at Shepherd University on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

The change in location added an interesting twist to the races this year, particularly for those who had previously run them before.

“This is the second time I’ve run the half marathon here. It was a nice and scenic course, which was very challenging,” said Washington, D.C. resident Steve Lebischak.

Lebischak said he was looking forward to the race. However, he did foresee one drawback with the course change — it would prevent repeat runners from being able to accurately compare their finish times this year, with those of previous years.

“I had been hoping to compare my time this year, with my time from last year,” Lebischak said. “Last year, a good portion of the course was going up hill. There’s a big elevation change in the course this year — it’s mostly on a level plane — so it’s impossible to compare the two.”

Nevertheless, his stepdaughter and her husband, Ashley and Jethro Pence, could be found standing on the sidelines, waving colorful signs and loudly cheering him on, as he made his way toward the finish line.

Runners make their way down King Street, at the beginning of the Freedom’s Run 10k on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

“This is how he stays young,” Ashley said. “We’re happy to be here and show our support.”

Runners fly down King Street, at the kick off to the Freedom’s Run 10k on Saturday morning. Photo by Tabitha Johnston