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Running at the Next Level, Experience the Inaugural Freedom’s Run
By George Banker
July 6, 2009.
Shepherdstown, WV
For the Washington Running Report
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Escape the city and enjoy the unique running events in beautiful West Virginia which include a youth/family run, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon. On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the first annual Freedom's Run which combines the joy of running, promoting community health with a historic background.
Runners and walkers of all abilities will experience being in the presence of history as the scenic marathon will travel through National Parks of Harper's Ferry, C&O Canal, and Antietam Battlefield. The half-marathon winds through Antietam and connects to the C&O Canal. The 5K and 10K crosses the Potomac on the Rumsey Bridge and coursing the C&O Canal. The youth and family runs will tour historic Shepherdstown.
The towns of Sharpsburg (Maryland) and Shepherdstown (West Virginia) will greet the runners as they head to the finish line on the campus of Shepherd University. The terrain will be a mixture of rural roads, hard packed C&O Canal Trail, and 50-meters of synthetic turf at the football field.
The Freedom's Run event is a nonprofit event to support the Eastern Area Health Education Center, Healthy Kids Healthy Communities, and Washington's Way West National Heritage Alliance.
Full race details - http://www.freedomsrun.org
Entry fees: Marathon- $70, Half Marathon - $40, 5K & 10K - $25
Packet Pick up - Shepherd University Wellness Center 12-8:00 p.m. on October 2, 2009
Contact: Race Director Mark Cucuzzella afrundoc@gmail.com 304-268-8813
A few of the historic sites include John Brown's Fort, the Armory of Virginius Island, Murphy Farm, and Packhorse Ford (where General Lee retreated across the Potomac River). After leaving Antietam, the runners will pass Burnside Bridge, Bloody Lane, Dunker Church, and the Cornfield.
Runners on the race committee include Chris Amores, "The shorter races give the youth an opportunity to get fit and to raise funds for causes of their choice."
Tom Shantz, ultra marathoner, a six-time JFK 50-Mile veteran, said, "Welcome to my playground. What a wonderful experience this event will be. The sight and smells of fall leaves, the tranquil river views, the exhilarating hills to be climbed and the hallowed ground that is covered will overload your senses and heart."
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella (Race Director), Associate Professor of Family Medicine, WVU Eastern Division and marathoner. "The event is seen as a stimulus package for community health and attaching children to nature," states Cucuzzella.
Dr. Cucuzzella is a Lt.Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and is developing healthy running programs for the U.S. Air Force. He has completed 20 Marine Corps Marathons with a personal best time of 2:27:20 (1996) and last year he was the first master (2:34:48). In 2006 he was the winner (2:31:46) of the Air Force Marathon.
"We are extremely fortunate to be partnered with the Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC) as our nonprofit partner." Executive Director Jay Bonfili states: "This event and the wonderful, energetic individuals pulling it together speak directly to the core of The Eastern AHEC's mission of promoting community and regional health awareness."
Race Committee member Lois Turco, Chair of the Washington's Way West Heritage Area Alliance stated, "We wish for the runners and walkers to keep returning after the event to learn more about our region's story."
Early registration is recommended for the marathon and the half marathon as the 1,000 runner limit is expected to be reached for each race.
The inaugural event will bridge the past with the future, for health and heritage. Through fitness, the history of the area will be shared with the runners, walkers, and the visitors. The events will stir the emotions.
The corporate sponsors include River Riders, West Virginia University, Eastern Area Health Education Center, Newton Running Stores, NBC 25, and Shepherd University.