We are less than a month away from the 8th-Annual Freedom’s Run presented by WVU Medicine University Healthcare and the Eastern Area Health Education Center. The race, set for Saturday, October 1, in Shepherdstown, will feature a full marathon, half-marathon, 10k, 5k, kids fun run, and other activities.
Can West Virginia lead the charge to restore health in America? The Freedom’s Run team believes it can. Race Director Dr. Mark Cucuzzella of West Virginia University reflects on the race’s local impact stating, “It brings me joy to see new runners in our community and friends helping friends get healthy. Our local Bros and Bras group is a prime example of this. We are a community and all change starts local.”
WVU Eastern Division Dean Dr. KC Nau also sees the value of Freedom’s Run. “Part of our mission in addition to outstanding clinical service and education, is to give back to the community and take an active part in health and prevention,” Nau said. “Partnership with Freedoms Run and the community grants is an important and growing part of why we are here.”
WVU Medicine University Healthcare, the Eastern Panhandle’s regional health system, has been a presenting sponsor of Freedom’s Run since the inaugural race in 2009. “University Healthcare’s mission is to improve the health status of Eastern Panhandle residents by providing excellence in health and wellness services,” stated Teresa McCabe, University Healthcare’s vice president of marketing and development. “By supporting events such as Freedom’s Run, we are promoting fitness and exercise for healthier communities.”
Local runners can play a critical part beyond just running. Continuing in 2016 is the opportunity to run for free, and to earn incentives, including free shoes, by running for causes of community health and activities surrounding our history and heritage. If a runner raises $500 through tax deductible pledges they earn a free pair of shoes valued between 100 and 150 dollars! Find out more at www.gofundme.com/freedomsrun.
In the late 1950s, a warning sounded. Almost 58 percent of American children were unable to pass a basic fitness test, while only 8.7 percent of Europeans failed. President Eisenhower, and later John F. Kennedy, saw the problem at hand, had a vision, and took action.
“Our growing softness—our increasing lack of physical fitness—is a menace to our security,” said Kennedy at the 1961 Conference on Physical Fitness of Youth. “We do not want in the United States a nation of spectators. We want a nation of participants in the vigorous life.”
Later in 1962, he reported for Sports Illustrated in a piece titled The Vigor We Need, “… but fitness is vital for a still more basic reason. It is vital because it is the basis of the health and vitality of the individual citizen. And these are qualities which are essential if each American is to be free to realize fully the potential value of his own capabilities and the pursuit of his individual goals.”
The challenging courses through Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, the C&O Canal, and the engaging hills of Antietam are designed in the Kennedy spirit. The historical route and race organization has earned Runner’s World Magazine’s recognition as a “Bucket List Race for the Family,” a “Top 25 Half-Marathon” in 2013, and the “Highlight Race” in October 2013. Just last month USA Today recognized the event as a “Top 10 Destination Race.”
Freedom’s Run also wants youth to participate in the free Kids One Mile Fun Run. For those under 18 who want to challenge the 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, there is a $10 Off Code—“youth10”—to be used at the online registration.
Race weekend will have our Pre-race Expo Friday from 12-8 at the Shepherd Wellness Center. There will be lots of local vendors and footwear available to try. The weekend also includes two amazing speakers/guest runners who will share their stories of coming off opiates and losing 200 pounds. Opiate addiction and obesity are undefeated in West Virginia and around the country- we want to help show the way out. The talk with take place Friday at the Shepherdstown Opera House 5pm. Read about Travis Meulheisen and Phillip Brenneman and be inspired that the body can heal. (NaturalRunningCenter.com / Dr. Mark’s Desk)
For more information on Freedom’s Run, and to register, visit www.freedomsrun.org.
