On Saturday, Oct. 1, a major foot race comes to our area which has this year gained national recognition for the not just the longer runs which journey through the National Parks, but for the shorter family oriented events. Runners from over 40 states are signed up for this years event.

Freedom’s Run gets kids and families moving in the right direction and was recognized as “Bucket List Race for the Family” in 2016 by Runners World Magazine. Just last month USA TODAY recognized us as a Top 10 Destination Race. These are fun recognitions for our town and event which so many have worked so hard on.

From USA TODAY: “Runners follow the trail of Civil War soldiers on this Blue Ridge Mountain route, near four national parks and several battlefields. Area sites include Harpers Ferry, where abolitionist John Brown led a slave rebellion, and Antietam, Md., site of a notoriously bloody Civil War battle.” Runners World says this about the event: “Why Run It: Get a strong dose of American history-and small-town spirit-in this West Virginian series. The marathon is a point-to-point course run almost entirely on National Park land, traveling through three different National Parks and passing historic Harper’s Ferry, the C&O Canal and the Antietam National Battlefield. There’s also a half, 10K, 5K and 1-mile kids’ run, the last of which takes place on the Main Street of historic Shepherdstown. The free race shuts down the road and local business owners line the course to cheer on young runners. The postrace family Oktoberfest is equally spirited: Musicians perform at the local Bavarian Inn where there’s beer, brats and other hearty grub.”

Youth 18 and under can run in the 5k and 10k for 10 dollars off. Go to the Registration page on www.freedomsrun.org and apply the code “Youth10” at checkout. 10k start 8:50 5k start 9:00

Really nice recycled material shirt made in USA and bottle for all 5k and 10k runners

Younger children can participate for FREE in the Kid’s One Mile Fun Run through Historic Shepherdstown. Strollers welcome. Open to children under 12 and under.

All children receive a water bottle and finishers ribbon.

Drawing for a free bike before race start compliments of Shepherdstown Pedal and Paddle

Start: 11 a.m. in front of Sara Cree Hall. Run up German Street and finish in Ram Stadium.

Registration online now under “Kids Run” at www.freedomsrun.org

Register online now or at the Shepherd Wellness Center Friday, Sept. 30 or Ram Stadium Saturday, Oct. 1.

About Freedoms Run:

Freedom’s Run is 5 events for runners & walkers of all ages and abilities. The events explore the land in a challenging and scenic marathon connecting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, The C&O Canal, Historic Civil War Towns, and Antietam National Battlefield; a half marathon through Antietam and the C&O; a 5k and 10k crossing along the beautiful River road and Rumsey Monument; and a free kids fun run. All Events finish in Shepherd University Ram Stadium. The races will benefit our our non-profit building fitness trails at local schools and parks and supporting cultural and outdoor experiences for all. See the “Go Fund Me” section of our site. The race is the largest in West Virginia.

The historical route and race organization has earned Runner’s World Magazine’s recognition as a “Top 25 Half-Marathon” in 2013, and the “Highlight Race” in October 2013.

View the course here via Google Earth freedomsrun.org/Course.aspx

If you have any questions you can call the Freedom’s Run Headquarters at Two Rivers Treads at 304-876-1100. www.tworiverstreads.com

We have so many thanks for the amazing volunteers for this event, especially Shepherd University students and staff. We are looking for volunteers too! Contact us and we will find something fun for you.

Thank you from co-directors Mark Cucuzzella mark@freedomsrun.org and Katie Nolan katie.lee.nolan @gmail.com.