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Marathon Details - Freedom's Run

North America Marathons > USA > WV > Shepherdstown > Freedom's Run

Freedom's Run

Freedom's Run & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Shepherdstown, WV USA

October 12, 2024

http://www.freedomsrun.org

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Race Details

Running through Our Four National Parks Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Contact Information

Name:	Mark Cucuzella
Address:	Eastern Area Health Education Center, c/o Freedom's Run; 2500 Foundation Way, Martinsburg WV 25401
Phone Number:	304-876-1100
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (130)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.6

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Number of comments: 130 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 13 > ]

K. B. from West Virginia (10/22/2024) "Beautiful challenging course." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Not a course for a PB, but definitely one to come back to every year to enjoy the beauty and tackle the challenge.
H. D. from Maryland (10/10/2023) "Love love this course." (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You can't beat a rolling, quiet (mostly no traffic) run through a famous battlefield.
B. D. from Cleveland, Ohio (10/9/2023) "Run through history." (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Phenomenal event. Bit of a x-country run, would recommend trail shoes for some sections, but the majority of the race is a scenic rail-trail where street shoes are fine. This would be the first race I've seen cannons on the route. The historical markers make me want to come back to read them all. The volunteers were wonderful. They were enthusiastic and helpful, and plenty of them every where.
S. S. from Pennsylvania (10/9/2023) "Beautiful course, very challenging hills" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is not the course to run if you are hoping for a fast time or an easy race. However, it is an excellent choice if you want a scenic race with good views. The first 4ish miles have some interesting terrain with trail running through a patch of woods, crossing a bridge, and heading down a spiral staircase. Then you have about 12 miles of quiet, almost completely straight running along the canal. Mile 15.5 you encounter the big hill indicating the start to the hard section. Lots and lots of hills to run through the battlefield. There was a lot of mud and it was rather slippery, however it had been raining for 2.5 hours at that point and all the worst spots had volunteers pointing them out and warning runners. After leaving the battlefield, it's a few more miles straight along the canal, before finishing with one more big spiral hill up to a bridge and over to the college. What I enjoyed: - Very scenic race - Enthusiastic volunteers (even in the rain) - Fun finish (music playing and announcing each name as you ran across the turf field) Personal thoughts: - The only mile markers were at the aid stations (every 3-ish miles) and Strava was off with measurements (nearly 0.8 miles by the end of the race), so running the correct pace was a little tricky. - I hadn't known about the metal spiral staircase until we were at the starting line, just wish it had been mentioned more prevalently on the website (with the rain it was quite the hazard, and I slipped a bit going down it even trying to take it slow). - Most of the race was well marked or had volunteers pointing runners in the right direction, but there were a few spots that could have used signage/a volunteer where I had to pause for a moment and figure out the right path. Overall, even with it raining for half the race, the marathon was quite enjoyable, and I would recommend it for anyone wanting a nice quiet race out in the woods. Just don't go into it expecting a fast time!
D. T. from Tennessee (10/9/2023) "A True Run Through History" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half but the comments apply to the marathon as well. The marathon starts in Harpers Ferry and runs up to cover the half course I talk about. It is the definition or a great destination race. It's a challenging course and not the place for a PR but it's a course you will be glad you ran. The course covers the southern portion of the Antietam Battlefield. It is a true run through history. If you go you should read about the battle or give yourself time to go to the visitor center and watch the 27 minute film before you run to appreciate where you are. If you do that then when you hear the singing of 'The Battle Hymn of The Republic' before the half you will understand. Since this is run in a National Park in 2023 we had to face a possible race cancellation due to the possible government shutdown but the race organizers stepped up and had an alternate course ready to go if needed. If you want throngs of cheering specators this is not your race. It's just not that kind of course. We did have ROTC cadets in the 2.5 miles where we ran on grass through a key part of the battlefield that both cheered us on and kept everyone from getting lost.
P. W. from MD (10/9/2023) "Must run race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was such a great experience, great course good organization . Need to put this race on your bucket list
T. S. from Silver Spring, Maryland, United States (11/7/2022) "Beautiful and challenging marathon" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Freedom's Run isn't a great choice for a PR marathon, or Boston qualifier unless you're super fast. But out of nearly 60 marathons, it's within my top 3 for most scenic. The first half, mostly along the C&O canal path in early morning, is just stunning. Coming into Harper's Ferry town, we had a lovely mist over the mountains. You hit the hills of Antietam on the second half, just when your legs are starting to fatigue. But the cut-offs are generous - you just need to maintain a 15 minute pace to finish - so if you need to mix in some walking, that's OK. The buses from Shepherdstown to the start in Harper's Ferry were prompt, and while it was cold waiting to start, the park service had indoor bathrooms where many of us congregated. If you need big cheering crowds to get you through 26.2, this is not the marathon for you. However, the volunteers at the aid stations were enthusiastic and if you enjoy the zen of a quiet but beautiful run, this is a great marathon experience.
M. J. from Virginia (10/30/2022) "Well organized and a unique course" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is unique in that it crosses through 2 states and 2 national parks. It's also a challenge because it's flat for much of the first 15 miles then hits some tough rolling hills. If you finish with a strong kick you're doing better than most. It's tough to slow the pace on the flat in order to stay strong though the hills. It's well organized and I really like that you can park close to the start and/or finish.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (10/26/2022) "Great Experience" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Lots of pluses for this run, I'll caution you on a few other items. - There were NO mile markers. So just be prepared with your own GPS and you'll be fine. - COLD standing around at the start. So bring some warm clothes. Now the great parts: - Well run event. - Loved the locally made finishers wood medallion. - I really enjoyed the course. Start goes thru a Nation Park and was a bit tricky, on grass. But then you get a couple miles of downhill. Then some stunning scenery along the Shenandoah River and the Potomac. Nearly flat (it's the old tow path for the canal), until miles 15.8 - 23.5. It's pretty challenging then. I liked the variety in terrain and scenery. But it's pretty rolling and some off-road. Then it's a real nice 2.5 cruise into the finish back along the tow path. - We had awesome Fall weather. Overall a really good event. Enjoy. Last word: I kept my warm ups on until the second aide station. Took them off and they said they would get them to the finish for me. And indeed they did. That's dang nice of them!
M. C. from MD (10/22/2021) "Well organized, small, very scenic race." (about: 2021) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race. It was well organized and had a lot of communication. The course is beautiful and challenging. There were more spectators than I would have guessed for a rural race. All around great experience.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 13 > ]



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K. B. from West Virginia (10/22/2024) "Beautiful challenging course." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Not a course for a PB, but definitely one to come back to every year to enjoy the beauty and tackle the challenge.
H. D. from Maryland (10/10/2023) "Love love this course." (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 You can't beat a rolling, quiet (mostly no traffic) run through a famous battlefield.
B. D. from Cleveland, Ohio (10/9/2023) "Run through history." (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Phenomenal event. Bit of a x-country run, would recommend trail shoes for some sections, but the majority of the race is a scenic rail-trail where street shoes are fine. This would be the first race I've seen cannons on the route. The historical markers make me want to come back to read them all. The volunteers were wonderful. They were enthusiastic and helpful, and plenty of them every where.
S. S. from Pennsylvania (10/9/2023) "Beautiful course, very challenging hills" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is not the course to run if you are hoping for a fast time or an easy race. However, it is an excellent choice if you want a scenic race with good views. The first 4ish miles have some interesting terrain with trail running through a patch of woods, crossing a bridge, and heading down a spiral staircase. Then you have about 12 miles of quiet, almost completely straight running along the canal. Mile 15.5 you encounter the big hill indicating the start to the hard section. Lots and lots of hills to run through the battlefield. There was a lot of mud and it was rather slippery, however it had been raining for 2.5 hours at that point and all the worst spots had volunteers pointing them out and warning runners. After leaving the battlefield, it's a few more miles straight along the canal, before finishing with one more big spiral hill up to a bridge and over to the college. What I enjoyed: - Very scenic race - Enthusiastic volunteers (even in the rain) - Fun finish (music playing and announcing each name as you ran across the turf field) Personal thoughts: - The only mile markers were at the aid stations (every 3-ish miles) and Strava was off with measurements (nearly 0.8 miles by the end of the race), so running the correct pace was a little tricky. - I hadn't known about the metal spiral staircase until we were at the starting line, just wish it had been mentioned more prevalently on the website (with the rain it was quite the hazard, and I slipped a bit going down it even trying to take it slow). - Most of the race was well marked or had volunteers pointing runners in the right direction, but there were a few spots that could have used signage/a volunteer where I had to pause for a moment and figure out the right path. Overall, even with it raining for half the race, the marathon was quite enjoyable, and I would recommend it for anyone wanting a nice quiet race out in the woods. Just don't go into it expecting a fast time!
D. T. from Tennessee (10/9/2023) "A True Run Through History" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half but the comments apply to the marathon as well. The marathon starts in Harpers Ferry and runs up to cover the half course I talk about. It is the definition or a great destination race. It's a challenging course and not the place for a PR but it's a course you will be glad you ran. The course covers the southern portion of the Antietam Battlefield. It is a true run through history. If you go you should read about the battle or give yourself time to go to the visitor center and watch the 27 minute film before you run to appreciate where you are. If you do that then when you hear the singing of 'The Battle Hymn of The Republic' before the half you will understand. Since this is run in a National Park in 2023 we had to face a possible race cancellation due to the possible government shutdown but the race organizers stepped up and had an alternate course ready to go if needed. If you want throngs of cheering specators this is not your race. It's just not that kind of course. We did have ROTC cadets in the 2.5 miles where we ran on grass through a key part of the battlefield that both cheered us on and kept everyone from getting lost.
P. W. from MD (10/9/2023) "Must run race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was such a great experience, great course good organization . Need to put this race on your bucket list
T. S. from Silver Spring, Maryland, United States (11/7/2022) "Beautiful and challenging marathon" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Freedom's Run isn't a great choice for a PR marathon, or Boston qualifier unless you're super fast. But out of nearly 60 marathons, it's within my top 3 for most scenic. The first half, mostly along the C&O canal path in early morning, is just stunning. Coming into Harper's Ferry town, we had a lovely mist over the mountains. You hit the hills of Antietam on the second half, just when your legs are starting to fatigue. But the cut-offs are generous - you just need to maintain a 15 minute pace to finish - so if you need to mix in some walking, that's OK. The buses from Shepherdstown to the start in Harper's Ferry were prompt, and while it was cold waiting to start, the park service had indoor bathrooms where many of us congregated. If you need big cheering crowds to get you through 26.2, this is not the marathon for you. However, the volunteers at the aid stations were enthusiastic and if you enjoy the zen of a quiet but beautiful run, this is a great marathon experience.
M. J. from Virginia (10/30/2022) "Well organized and a unique course" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Freedom's Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is unique in that it crosses through 2 states and 2 national parks. It's also a challenge because it's flat for much of the first 15 miles then hits some tough rolling hills. If you finish with a strong kick you're doing better than most. It's tough to slow the pace on the flat in order to stay strong though the hills. It's well organized and I really like that you can park close to the start and/or finish.
S. C. from Portland Oregon (10/26/2022) "Great Experience" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Lots of pluses for this run, I'll caution you on a few other items. - There were NO mile markers. So just be prepared with your own GPS and you'll be fine. - COLD standing around at the start. So bring some warm clothes. Now the great parts: - Well run event. - Loved the locally made finishers wood medallion. - I really enjoyed the course. Start goes thru a Nation Park and was a bit tricky, on grass. But then you get a couple miles of downhill. Then some stunning scenery along the Shenandoah River and the Potomac. Nearly flat (it's the old tow path for the canal), until miles 15.8 - 23.5. It's pretty challenging then. I liked the variety in terrain and scenery. But it's pretty rolling and some off-road. Then it's a real nice 2.5 cruise into the finish back along the tow path. - We had awesome Fall weather. Overall a really good event. Enjoy. Last word: I kept my warm ups on until the second aide station. Took them off and they said they would get them to the finish for me. And indeed they did. That's dang nice of them!
M. C. from MD (10/22/2021) "Well organized, small, very scenic race." (about: 2021) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race. It was well organized and had a lot of communication. The course is beautiful and challenging. There were more spectators than I would have guessed for a rural race. All around great experience.

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Marathon Details - Freedom's Run