I am a bit of a military history buff, so the chance of running through the Antietam battlefield was something that I couldn't turn down.

The race had four distinct parts: the first easy and flat (but pretty boring) 15 miles, the challenging hills up to the battlefield, the battlefield run, and the nice downhill to the finish.
Making a detour to climb up the observation tower provided some nice photos, but not something I would recommend unless you feel VERY strong at mile 20...
Don't go too fast up the hills, and you can actually get negative splits (I did) since the rest of the course is flat or downhill.

A big thanks to the volunteers, especially the ones who braved the cold during the first 15 miles. There weren't a lot of other spectators out, but a big 'thank you' to the guy to served beer at mile 16-17.

Some reviewers have commented that it was hard to find the packet pick-up location. True, the road construction messed things up a little, but the GPS routed us around the construction and we found the wellness center without any problems.

Pros:
* The after-race at the Bavarian Inn was very nice with beautiful views.
* Small and efficient 'expo'. I got my bib and picked up a few running supplies, that's all I need before a race.
* Beautiful course, not too challenging, but not too easy either.

Cons:
* The bridge at mile 4 was VERY slippery, and the stairs down were pretty challenging. It made running fast very hard, but I think that everyone took it easy since I didn't hear of any wipeouts. It could be that there aren't any alternatives for getting over the river, but that part of the course is pretty iffy when there's frost.

This was a nice race with several small touches that runners can appreciate. I thought the shuttle system from the nearby parking lot worked well, and was clearly explained through the emails. There were excellent water/aid stations, and I appreciated the offer of a shower at the campus wellness center afterwards. The course itself was hilly, but knowing that going in, it didn't disappoint, or surprise me! ;) Running through Harper's Ferry and then over the bridge was great! I enjoyed some great camaraderie with other runners. If I wasn't trying to save all my races to be a 50-stater, I'd do this race again!

What can I say? The Freedom's Run Marathon is now my favorite event. Small town feel, small number of runners doing the full marathon, historic scenes every foot of the way, stairs and a bridge across the river, lots of hills, fun finish on a school track. The tech shirt is a keeper, too!

I have to say, I'm still glad that I ran this race. The green effort was just wonderful to see, and the course really was beautiful. HOWEVER, there needed to be more direction for the runners! As I was running down the C&O canal, there was a mass joining of 10k runners. About 20 feet later, the marathoners were supposed to turn off the canal path whereas the 10k runners kept going on the path. Because there were so many 10k runners and the fact that there was not a single person to tell me to turn off (I missed the small, white sign with a black arrow pointing off the path, since it didn't say 'full' or anything indicating that it was for me), I ended up running to the next aid station with the 10k runners before asking someone, who informed me that I missed the turn 2 miles back. It was a long 2 miles back to the course, needless to say. Because of this, I ended up running 30+ miles that day, and missed my PR which I was well on my way toward. This was especially devastating as this was my first marathon back after having a baby and I had trained so hard for this!! On a positive note, the race director was very apologetic and told me that I could estimate and get my time changed, but after emailing the timing company, he informed me that he could not due to it being a Boston qualifier.

Additionally, after getting back on course, I do have to say that there was limited volunteers pointing the way at turns, which was frustrating as well. After running a long distance, the last thing I want to do is think where I have to go! So I ended up asking someone each time.

Overall, I would still recommend this race. Just be very prepared for the turns on the course, and know that you will be having to go around a few cones in some out and backs!

I just ran this marathon for my third year in a row and I love it. It's a small marathon so there's no problem getting a hotel, and no lines at port-a-potties. There is a hotel and a campground near the start line at Harper's Ferry (both take dogs), so you can leave your family in the early morning and walk through the park to the start, where there is plenty of water, gatorade and coffee. Extremely well organized and a beautiful course through nature. Antietam Battlefield is also beautiful but challenging; the marathon is flat til about Mile 16. Once you finish the hills of Antietam around Mile 20 the rest seems like a piece of cake! You won't PR here, but who cares? Marathoners are masochists. Pizza at the finish is great, as is the party at the Bavarian Inn and the pint glass (I now have three). The staff at the race headquarters, Two Rivers Treads in Shepherdstown, is also really great and have helped my running by getting me away from a heel strike shoe and into a more natural running style. They changed my life. Beautiful nature, natural running style, small-town feel with no lines, what's not to love?!

I've done marathons in Hawaii, Switzerland, the Oregon Coastall beautiful, but Freedom's Run was their equal with gorgeous fall foliage, peaceful riverside trail, and the solemn grandeur of the Antietam battlefield. More than that, the race organizers were world-class. Chris, who was one of the key guys behind the race, drove me and my friend from the Bavarian Inn to the Wellness Center because the Inn had closed (my friend and I were super slow). Not only that, he picked up the bag my friend had dropped off but forgot to pick up and even label. Also, everyone at the aid stations were kind and encouraging. I look forward to next year!

This is my third year running at the Freedoms Run event. In 2010 and 2011, I ran the 10K and in 2012 I ran the 1/2 marathon. The 1/2 marathon course is extremely challenging. I trained hard and was able to run 13.1 miles and exceeded my goal of 10 minute miles. This was one of my proudest moments. I feel the event is well organized and wonderful for the community. Running through the battlefield is truly sentimental. I recommend this event to to all fellow runners whether you run the 5K, 10K, 1/2 or full marathon. Keep up the wonderful work. Thank you Shepherd University for allowing us to finish on the football field.

I ran the half marathon in 2010 and returned this year to run the full.
Some may find the tow path a little monotonous, but I think it's lovely this time of year. And the battlefield views are incredible, particularly in the morning.
It's a challenging course, no doubt, but the scenery, enthusiastic volunteers and spectators make up for the many hills.
I also like that they offer distances for everyone from marathon down to a fun run for kids so the whole family can participate.

Great course for anyone who is a fan of Civil War history. The portion through the canal,though extremely boring was peaceful and beautiful in the early morning. Running through the battle field was an experience I won't ever forget. The only thing that was a huge problem was directions to places for out of towners. The location of the packet pick up was hard to find if you weren't a local and the parking and getting to the start line was a cluster 'F'.

There was a great deal of confusion about getting from the designated parking areas to the start but overall a great time with friendly and enthusiastic support.The after party at the Bavarian Inn was really fun and everyone recivied a cool class from the Inn, along with their finishers medal. I would definitely run this one again.

My first time with this marathon. I ran the half a few years ago and remember the battefield hills. They were still there on Saturday too! A very challenging course; one of the most challenging I've run in 25 years.