May 7, 2024
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☰
Freedom's Run Runner Comments
Back to Freedom's Run Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 126 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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L. M. from Cleveland, Ohio
(10/14/2015)
 "Do not miss this one!" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is a gem. Very well organized, and the amenities are remarkable for the size and the cost. The course is fantastic; respect it but don't fear it. A very rewarding experience! | |
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S. G. from Michigan
(10/14/2015)
 "Beautiful and challenging course!" (about: 2015)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This course was very beautiful and certainly the most historical run I have ever done. The hills after you leave the canal and head towards and through Antietam Battlefield (miles 15-21) are VERY CHALLENGING, so pace yourself during the first half. The part along the canal is so pretty with colorful fall trees throughout. Race day packet pick up was super easy and quick - no need to go to Shepherdstown the night before if you are pressed for time. The race shuttles were reliable and the shirt was awesome! The only complaint I have is the medal - it is locally made and ceramic, which is great, but it is very small and plain, lacking creativity and color. Water was hard to get to at the finish when I really needed it. However, if I could run this race again I would. It made me feel grateful to be alive, and the hills definitely kept the blood pumping! | |
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athlettuce DC from DC
(10/14/2015)
"Beautiful, low-key race" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a lovely race in West Virginia and Maryland. The course was incredibly scenic except for the last few miles. Weather was perfect. Logistics/parking/packet pickup were easy and no-stress. You can see all of my thoughts on my blog: athlettuce dot wordpress dot com. https://athlettuce.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/race-recap-freedoms-run-marathon-2015/ | |
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D. C. from Waldron, Washington
(10/14/2015)
 "the most beautiful course I've run so far" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This course offers a wide variety of scenery. It varies between the bricked streets of Harper's Ferry to a tree canopied lane along the canal, to the open battlefields of Antietam. The hills weren't nearly as bad as I'd been led to believe. There's one that's a bit steep, but it's not like running a mountainous goat trail (which is what I was expecting). If you need to check off WV I would definitely recommend Shepherdstown. | |
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S. B. from Gaithersburg, MD
(10/11/2015)
"Gorgeous fall race worth the challenge" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I decided to run this race as a training run for a 50-miler close to home and am very glad I picked it. The course is gorgeous: I enjoyed running through the lower town in Harpers Ferry and the tree-covered towpath. The race is fast for the first 15 miles but you make up for it once you leave the canal and get a nearly 200-foot climb in the next mile followed by 10 miles of rolling hills to the finish. But it was inspiring to run through the Antietam battlefield and Sharpsburg, and I enjoy running country roads (even if there's scant shade). The finish on the field at Shepherd University was good, there was a nice post-race spread and the free beer at the Bavarian Inn's Oktoberfest celebration. The organization is top notch. You won't break any records on this course but it's worthwhile if you can appreciate the scenery and want a good time. | |
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c. w. from Pennsylvania
(10/11/2015)
 "Beautifully designed course" (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Looking to cross West Virginia off my list, I picked Freedom's Run based on the runner reviews. The scenery was as beautiful as everyone says. There is a hilly 5 mile stretch during Antietam with one or two hills that you will probably have to walk up. I would recommend carrying a bottle for getting you thru the long C&O canal stretch with limited water stops. The University is very supportive and opens up the wellness center for showers after the race. My only complaint (and some would consider significant) is that when I finished at 4:09 hours, the only food left was a box of plain bagels. The apples were gone. The pizza was gone. I felt really bad for anyone who came after me. There was gatorade and water also but the race director needs to provide something to the runners. I assume that the supplies were consumed by the 5K, 10K and half marathon runners and there was no more donated food left. | |
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d. m. from homer city, pennsylvania
(10/25/2014)
"great marathon" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Freedom's Run
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ignore the whiners and come run this race. The director is a multi marathon runner and it shows. Very well organized. From the pre-race dinner to the finish line festival, this was one of the best marathons that I have run. I wouldn't change a thing about the marathon. The course had enough variety that you couldn't get bored. Running through all of the history and beautiful scenery leaves me with many great memories. Do the proper training, put a smile on your face and enjoy it. | |
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Cap'n Bagel from Rochester NY
(10/12/2014)
"Challenging course and lots of history" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon since it was within a reasonable day's drive as I attempt to complete all 50 states. The course is tough once you leave the canal path for the next 4 miles. It was faster to walk the uphills and the downhills beat up my quads big time. It is a well organized event - the shirt was decent, the medal a bit disappointing (though made locally), and the showers at the Wellness Center most welcomed. Food and refreshments, even for the backpackers, was plentiful. If you're looking for a PR, this is probably not the course, unless you love hills. | |
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C. C. from Washington, D.C.
(10/10/2014)
"Best Small Town Marathon. Period." (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 Freedom's Runs
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the best small town marathon I have ever run. Keep in mind that it is hilly and it is very tough, which also means you get scenery you can't beat. You literally run through history by running through Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal and Antietam. Since it is small, it can get a little lonely in the middle miles, until the second half when the course is shared with half-marathoners. But this is a good thing. Don't expect to PR, but do expect a very nice glass of beer and German food at the Oktoberfest finish festival. This is a must do for local runners but I would say it is worth traveling for if you are from out of town. There is plenty to see and do in the area plus it is only an hour away from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding Maryland counties. Since the race is Saturday, you have plenty of time in the evening and Sunday for sightseeing. So go ahead and skip that big-city marathon for the fall racing season and go to Freedom's Run. Or maybe not; I liked being able to register the day before the race :) | |
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K. S. from West Virginia
(10/10/2014)
"Awe inspiring and patriotic run!" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I read a review a couple years ago about this course that stated 'Freedom ain't easy', and it's not, but what it didn't say was the amazing journey you take along the way. From the history to the scenery, from the people to the small town charm - Freedom's Run is an amazing experience that any level of runner will love and remember no matter how many races your future holds. I can say after running a HUGE marathon last year - this is the MUST DO fall marathon! |
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