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May 7, 2024

Freedom's Run Runner Comments

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Course 4.7

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 126 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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

J. H. from Bethesda, Maryland (10/6/2019) "Great (and very challenging) small town marathon." (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Freedom's Run is a small town marathon that starts and finishes in West Virginia but that is mostly run in Maryland. It is a good run for locals from the Washington DC area that are looking for something other than The Marine Corps or Baltimore Marathons or for '50 Staters' looking to check West Virginia off of their lists. The course runs through Harpers Ferry National Park (4-5 miles), along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (10 miles), through Antietam National Civil War Battlefield (5-6 miles), and Sharpsburg, Maryland. The scenery is spectacular, especially over the first 20 miles of the race. The course through Antietam National Battlefield is magnificent (~ miles 15-21), but BRUTALLY HILLY, with constant ups-and-downs and ~ five-or-six immensely long, steep monster hills. Definitely the most intense hilly portion of a marathon that I have run (including Boston). This is not a course for running your PR and I recommend saving energy for the hilly part of the race. You will be miserable if you don't save something for the hills of Antietam. Race support and volunteers are great, though water along the Canal is every 3-4 miles (bring hydration if you're worried). This is a point-to-point race and runners have parking options at both the start and the finish. The race includes a great small town, runners expo, a nice finish and after race party at Shepherd University, and free post-race beer at the Bavarian Inn nearby. Finishers receive a hand-made finishers' made by local craftspeople. You can also get a free shower on-campus. This is a small race (250-350 participants), so expect minimal crowd support along the run. Shepherdstown, WV is a great small town gem. I recommend parking at the finish, taking the early morning bus to the start, and exploring Shepherdstown either before or after the race.
D. C. from Maryland (10/9/2018) "Beautiful and challenging course" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Can be bit tough along the canal since there are not mile markers or many water stops, but luckily that is closer to the beginning. Very hilly in Antietam but the views are spectacular (and the end is mostly downhill!). Overall a very enjoyable experience, and the relatively small size makes for an enjoyable atmosphere from everyone involved.
G. F. from Baltimore, Maryland (10/9/2018) "Beautiful scenery, extremely challenging!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I enjoyed visiting WV and participating in this marathon. It was very small with easy logistics, although smaller than I anticipated. I prefer marathons a bit larger with more crowd/aid cheer support. The history and scenery of the course are what makes it. The small town feel and fun post-race are great too. However, it is extremely challenging with massive hills; biggest hills I have ever run and I train on rolling hills. It was hands down the toughest course for me (for this marathon #8). For that reason, I do not think I would return for the marathon. Maybe for the half marathon. Overall, however, well organized and I do recommend.
Kelly Tabara from MN (10/8/2018) "A beautiful race in a historic place!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 West Virginia is a beautiful and historic part of the country. It was so much fun to run the Freedom's Run Marathon to complete my 50 States journey! This race starts in Harper's Ferry Natl Park. There is lots of parking at the start and bathrooms. The Battle Cry of the Republic was sung - beautiful and touching. From Harper's Ferry the course winds thru 10 miles on the C&O towpath and then thru Antetiem Battlefield for about 6 miles - hilly yes but so amazing. Unique to run thru 3 National Parks - I took alot of pictures! The RDs made sure I had bib#50 to celebrate my 50th state. Handcrafted ceramic medal made by a local artist. Great gender specific shirts. I highly recommend this race and suggest taking extra time to visit the area. Make sure to visit Brix27 Restaurant in Martinsburg for a celebration dinner!
K. P. from NEW JERSEY (10/8/2018) "Great Course" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the 2018 Freedoms and it was a wonderful experience. We stayed at the hotel which was a 10 minute walk to the start. The course went through beautiful National Parks and was a great mix of flat, rolling hills and HILLS! Running through Antietam was quite moving. I would highly recommend as a small marathon in the Countryside.
M. B. from Ellicott City, MD (10/6/2018) "Love this race!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Small, well-organized marathon. Beautiful scenery. 10 flat, scenic miles on the canal give way to serious hills in the battlefield. The hills are no joke, but it's not like we were carrying artillery and dodging cannon balls. Those guys had it much worse. Pretty cool to finish in the university football stadium. One of the best after parties in recent memory. Great people in the race and fantastic volunteers.
D. B. from Atlanta, Georgia (10/9/2017) "Fantastic marathon course with friendly people" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 3rd marathon. I have run Savannah and NYC and wanted something very pretty and low stress. I stayed in Harpers Ferry and drove 1 mile to the start. It was easy to park and the race started on time. The course was stunning and a great mix of rolling hills, trails, flat and cute historic towns. I was anxious about Antietam because I had read how steep the hills were but I was fine and was able to motor through without too much effort. I felt great at mile 20 and coasted into the finish. The amount of history is thought provoking and carried me through the hilliest 5 miles. The course is breathtaking at times and I talked with so many cool people during the race the time really did fly.
A. B. from Spring Green, WI (10/29/2016) "Great course" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half marathon. I was ready for a challenge, and challenging it was. I loved the spirit of the race. Organization was very solid, although I would have appreciated one or two more water stops if the weather hadn't been so cold and wet. As it happened, the number of water spots was sufficient. Few spectators in the rain, but that's not really what the race is about. The scenery was majestic and spectacular. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I didn't live so far away.
R. G. from USA (10/16/2016) "Very challenging, but so worth the effort!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First off, I want to offer up my sincerest gratitude to the organizers of this event. Pre-race communication was frequent and instructive. Support at both the start and finish lines was fantastic. Water stops and bathrooms were well placed and well stocked. The volunteers were fantastic, and so generous given the weather. I was also so appreciative of the spectators. There was always a kind soul offering up shouts of encouragement exactly when needed. Make no mistake- the hills from miles 15 through 20 are brutal. If indeed you are aiming for either a PR or BQ, do keep this in mind. If not, then your only worry is to make sure the majesty of the Civil War history is not wasted on you as you power along. As for the weather- the rain and the mud certainly slowed me down, but it also provided me with quite the marathon adventure! I loved this marathon!
n. s. from FL (10/7/2016) "Fun in the Rain & History" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Freedom's Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is great for those wanting to do states or those who love beautiful scenery, historic venues, and great race organization. If you are trying for a fast course type of race or tons of spectators, this is not your thing. We stayed at the host hotel (Clairon in Shepardstown, which is charming and friendly!) and got the bus in the morning from the hotel to the start. Totally hassle free. Loved this race and definitely recommend it.

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