Freedom's Run - Race Reviews

Not a course for a PB, but definitely one to come back to every year to enjoy the beauty and tackle the challenge.

You can't beat a rolling, quiet (mostly no traffic) run through a famous battlefield.

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.

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!

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.

This race was such a great experience, great course good organization . Need to put this race on your bucket list

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.

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.

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!

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.

The course was awesomely challenging! We don't get hills like that on Marylands Eastern Shore!

The FRM has great scenery through multiple types of terrain. The first 16 miles are pretty flat and then you get some steep roller coaster hills. Lots of support from other runners and volunteers.

A beautiful course that takes you through 3 National Parks. Course layout was great, including miles of towpath, and we really appreciated the downhill start as opposed to running up Harper's Ferry. Since it is mostly in National Parks, the spectators were sparse but the organizers did a great job with volunteers who were at every turn, especially through the tough hills in Antietam, to give encouragement. I will definitely run this marathon again.

Everything about this event was great. The organization and communication, the atmosphere, the singing of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the beauty and difficulty of the course, Shepherdstown, everything was wonderful. A big Thank You to all those who made it possible, I am sure it was a lot of work.

I really, really enjoyed running the Freedoms Run. It is small scale so I wasnt fighting the crowds for a space to run. It was really friendly and well organised. I just loved this race. Run this if you want something a bit different from an urban large event.

I ran the half marathon as my West Virginia race (currently running a half in every state) and it was incredible. The course/route was gorgeous. And the race has such a wonderful small-town feel. Yes, the course is hard and hilly, but the medal you receive for your efforts is so cool and beautiful and the post-race festivities make it all worth it.

This is a great event. Flexible policies. Intended for participants and volunteers to have a good time. The course is beautiful, although crazy hilly. (I did the half marathon, which is mostly the 2nd half of the full course.)

We did the 5K as a family. Great fun! We are hooked. Lots of serious runners, but also families, kids...

This marathon was terrific in several aspects. Low-stress start. Definitely some rolling hills through Antietam, but it gives you time to contemplate what happened on these hallowed grounds over 150 years ago. Incredibly well-organized and very responsive RD and crew. Thanks to no road closures, supporters can drive to several spots to cheer you on. Volunteers were amazing and inspiring!

Although I am local, this is a race worth traveling for. Running through the battlefield is hard but so scenic and full of history. The organizers are friendly and very helpful. There is no hard finish time or straggler bus, so you can stop for pictures or walk the hills. I ran 13.1. Well done Dr. Mark and friends.

I chose this race for my WV marathon as it is an easy drive from Dulles. Nice small town, easy packet pickup, was able to stay on shuttle until race started which was nice as it was chilly. BEAUTIFUL course with great post race party.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This is a terrific race not far from the DC area. It was one of the most picturesque courses I've ever run on, despite the hard rain. The C&O Canal was beautiful, especially the bridge. The hills at Antietam were tough, but it was amazing to run through an area with so much history. The organization of the race was great. There were plenty of shuttles and bathrooms. Being able to use Shepherd University's locker rooms after the race was a huge perk, especially for those of us driving home after the race.

I love this marathon...of the 60 or so marathons I ran, I think this is most beautiful one. You get everything: Flat, uphill, and downhill...Challenging, but so beautiful. Many thanks to the organizers who made it easy for us to pick up the bibs the morning of the event, having enough parking, and for having enough stations and guides. Though the course is very challenging, the organization and the beautiful scenery made this race one the best I have thus run...I will definitely run again next year. Looking forward to it. Thank You.

The course was incredibly challenging, yet absolutely beautiful. It was my first marathon, it rained, the C&O was supposed to be the easy part, but it was muddy. Then came the hills, the HILLS!! I can't wait to do it again!!!

The hills were not that bad. Very close to the National Capitol Area, got up early and drove to the starting line. GREAT shuttle bus service back to your car. I would run this race again after I completed my first 50 states 50 marathons. Access to showers was a plus and also the beer garden.

The course is phenomenal and shows all the beauty this area has to offer. The course is great for history buffs or just those wanting to appreciate a smaller town race. You get welcomed warmly by the town and race organizers. It's a great escape from the larger and more crowded 'city races'. The only downfall is the lack of spectators. They are few and far between compared to larger races (I only ran the half marathon). But, if you're looking to meet some great runners, see some beautiful sights, and experience a great small town, this is the perfect race! The race fees are actually affordable as well which is a nice change in pace :-) The race director also stays local with the race swag. The medal is a handmade piece, which is a really unique and awesome addition to the medal collection.

Great small town race with lots of personal touches. Course is one of the most beautiful and challenging that I have run. I definitely need to go back for a redemption run!