Registration & Packet Pick-up
How do I know if I'm registered?
You will receive a confirmation e-mail from RunSignUp.com. You can also go to the registration page and click on "Find a Participant" and search for your name to ensure you're on the list.
How many entrants are allowed in each race?
We have a maximum of 500 in the marathon, 1000 in the half marathon, and 500 each in the 5k and 10k. Due to the attractive features of course, and the proximity to major mid-Atlantic cities, we anticipate these to fill up quickly.
Where is packet pick-up, and when?
Packet pick-up will be outside on the Midway Field located next to the Shepherd Student Center 210 N. King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 (outside Ram Stadium) from 2 pm - 7 pm on Friday, October 6th.
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Marathon- We strongly encourage you to pick up your packet on Friday. We will have limited race day packet pick-up at the start area in Harpers Ferry (NOT Midway Field) from 6-7am.
Half Marathon/10K/ 5K- We encourage you to pick up your packet on Friday. There will be SATURDAY race day packet pick up for the 5k/10k/Half Marathon at the Midway Field (outside Ram Stadium) in Shepherdstown the morning of the race from 7-9 am.
What happens if I become injured after I enter and cannot participate?
There are no medical comps, rollovers or refunds, nor can you transfer your registration to another person. Consider it a donation to our partner non-profit organizations.
Can I transfer my registration to another person or roll over my registration to the next year?
There are no transfers, roll overs, or refunds given. Including medical reasons. However, you can change your registration from one event to another. For example, if you registered for the marathon, you may change your registration to the half marathon. Please note, though, we do not issue refunds for the price difference if you choose to drop down from a race. If you wish to change from the half marathon to the marathon, you would need to pay the difference between the price you paid for the half marathon and the current price for the marathon.
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Runners can transfer the races themselves on their RunSignUp profile through Oct 6th. We will also be able to make these changes on site.
For information on how to transfer your race, click here.
Can I register Day-of-Race?
There are no Day-of-Race registrations for the Marathon or any changes to registration. You may register for other events if space is available at the packet pick up on Friday 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. We will have limited race day registration for the Half,10K, and 5K events on Saturday from 7-9 am at the FINISH area, Midway Field (outside Ram Stadium) in Shepherdstown the morning of the race.
Can I change my event?
Yes. To change events, you can contact us via email at FreedomsRunRD@gmail.com. Use subject line "Change Event". The last opportunity to change events is at packet pick, the day before race day. If you wish to change from the half marathon to the marathon, you would need to pay the difference between the price you paid for the half marathon and the current price for the marathon.
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Runners can also transfer races themselves on their RunSignUp profile through Oct 6th. We can also make changes on site, but we suggest doing it prior.
For information on how to transfer your race, click here.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes of course. We are scouts honor here and no signed confirmations, scanned IDs, etc....
Will there be a pre race dinner?
We will not have an organized pre race dinner, but we encourage runners to explore Shepherdstown and enjoy the local food and entertainment. Visit Shepherdstown Visitor Center for a full list of places to eat.
What will you have as premium for the runners?
We offer handmade local medals for the Half andFull marathon! We also have long sleeve tech t-shirts for all events.
The Course
Is the course road, trail, or a mix?
For the Marathon- the course is a mix of road and hard pack trail. The first 4.5 miles are a net downhill, with 2 miles on rolling grassy fields, the next 10 are a long stretch of flat crushed gravel on the C & O Canal. Once you leave the Canal the course is hilly and rolling through Antietam Battlefield. The last 4.5 miles will back track down hill and link back up on the canal. Our Marathon is a certified Boston Qualifying course!
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The Half Marathon is very challenging. The first 3 miles are flat on the C & O Canal. From there, the difficultly begins as you ascend up Millers Sawmill to enter Antietam Battlefield. After a few miles on rolling grassy terrain, runners retrace their path back down Millers Sawmill, return the way they came on the canal and finish up in town at the Ram Stadium.
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The 5k and 10k courses have gone back to the original route along the C&O Canal. Both events are out-and-back, beginning by the stadium, crossing the Rumsey Bridge to the C&O Canal. The 10K runs up stream, while the 5K runs downstream. Both back track to the Rumsey Bridge to then finish at the Rams Stadium.
Can I walk the course?
Yes! All courses will be open until 2 pm. So walkers in the marathon will have 6.5 hours to complete it. THIS IS A 15 MIN/MILE PACE. Half Marathon participants will have 5.5 hours.
At mile 15 of the Full Marathon, if you have arrived later than 11:30 am, you will be given the option to
continue or drop out and driven back to the finish line.
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If you have not arrived at our designated Aid Station, near mile 20, by 12:30 pm, your bib will be taken and we will no longer be able to offer course support.
Where are the aid stations and what is served?
Aid stations will be about every 3 miles. Consider carrying a small bottle or fanny pack if you feel you need fluid between stations, especially for walkers.
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Aid stations will have WATER, SPORTS DRINK, GELS, AND UCAN HYDRATE.
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Half Marathon runners and walkers will share aid stations with marathoners.
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See our "events" tab for each event for a detailed map.
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5k/10k aid stations are indicated on our course maps.
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Full – Water and UCAN at all stops other than indicated below
Harpers Ferry: 2.0 miles - Water only
Harpers Ferry Lower Town: 4.1 miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink
Lock 34: 6.5 miles(C&O Canal) - Water, Sports Drink
Dargan Boat Ramp: 9.5 miles (C&O Canal) - Water, UCAN, GEL
Limekiln Rd: 12 miles (C&O Canal) - Water, Sports Drink
Miller Sawmill: 15.8 miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Branch Ave: 17.8 miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Branch Ave: 21.5 miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Miller Sawmill: 23 miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Rumsey Bridge: 25.5 miles - Water only
Finish: Pizza and snacks!
Half- Water and UCAN
Miller Sawmill: 2.7 Miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Branch Ave: 4.7 Miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Branch Ave: 8.4 Miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Miller Sawmill: 10.4 Miles - Water, UCAN, Sports Drink, GEL
Rumsey Bridge: 12.5 miles - Water only
Finish: Pizza and snacks!
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10k – Water
Miles 2 & 4: Water
Finish: Pizza and snacks!
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5k – Water
Miles 1 & 2: Water
Finish: Pizza and snacks!
Is there a medical tent at the finish?
Yes. There is a medical tent with trained professionals and EMT support.
What is the time limit for completing the events?
All courses will be open until 2 pm to allow participants to experience the rich scenery and history of the course. So walkers in the marathon will have 6.5 hours to complete it. Half Marathon participants will have 5.5 hours.
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At mile 15 of the Full Marathon, if you arrived later than 11:30am, you will be given the option to continue or drop out and driven back to the finish line.
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If you have not arrived at our designated Aid Station, near mile 20, by 12:30 pm, your bib will be taken and we will no longer be able to offer course support.
Are the miles marked?
Because most of the course is located on national park property, we are unable to put mile markers at every point. If you are not running with GPS, you can use the aid stations as basic guidelines for progress.
How hilly is the course?
All of our courses are hilly. The Full Marathon has 1300 feet of elevation gain, the half has almost 1000, and the 10k and 5k each have 125 feet of gain. You can find elevation profiles of each course under the "events" tab on our main menu.
The Start
Where do I park?
Thanks to the National Park Service we will have ample parking at the marathon start line by the Harper's Ferry National Park Visitor's Center.
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We will have shuttle buses (compliments of our major sponsor River Riders) from the Shepherdstown Student Center next to the Finish Line/Midway Field to the marathon start at 6 am. Marathoners can park at A & B lots to access the shuttles. See Map Here. The C lot is reserved for our volunteers.
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Half, 10k, 5k- There is limited parking in Shepherdstown itself. Ample parking on the Shepherd University Campus - the large H lot is the easiest and most convenient. You will follow the yellow dot walking path which will take you to the start. See Map Here.
What are the start times of the events?
As of right now, we will not have to have staggered starts. If this changes we will let you know asap. Please understand this is subject to change, and we must abide by the town, university, local and state guidelines.
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Marathon: 7:30 am (Harpers Ferry)
Half Marathon: 8:30 am (Shepherdstown)
10K: 8:45 am (Shepherdstown)
5K: 9:00 am (Shepherdstown)
Is there a place I can drop off my sweats during the events?
Yes. At the Marathon starting line a truck will take items back to the finish. We highly recommend you put your items in a bag with your race number on it. This will help sort your items at the finish area.
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We will have a bag check tent at the start/finish area of the 5k/10k/Half Marathon at the Shepherd University Stadium.
Are there buses after the event?
Yes, for our Marathoners, buses will return every 30 minutes to the parking area at Harpers Ferry Visitor Center at the start line. There will be 2 shuttle services on race day, all leave from the C Lot, located next to the Stadium. See parking map
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Bus Shuttles to Harpers Ferry
Pick Up Location: C Lot
Stops: Only to Marathon start in Harpers Ferry
Times: Every 30 minutes starting at 11 am and ending at 2:30 pm
Medals & Awards
Is there a T-Shirt?
Yes! All runners including race weekend registrants will get an awesome long sleeve tech shirt!
What awards will be given out?
We are a participatory event and as such, the award is getting to experience the beauty and challenge of our courses! We will also raffle 10 pair of Altra shoes and 10 gift certificates from the Town’s Inn Harpers Ferry.
Will there be a finishers medal?
Yes! We will have a commemorative medal for all finishers of half and full marathon.
Can I Bring My. . . .?
Can I listen to music while I run?
The answer is a qualified yes. The use of headsets is allowed during the race. As a member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), we follow their guidelines on headset use. RRCA does not encourage headphone use during its member races but does not disallow them as long as they are used safely. For this reason, Freedoms Run will allow headsets on the course only if it does not pose a safety risk. For safety reasons, it may be necessary for a course official to ask you to remove your headset/earphones during the race. You are required to comply or face disqualification and removal from the course.
Can I bring my baby in a stroller/jogger?
Unfortunately, due to the narrow nature of the canal (where the event takes place), it is no longer safe to allow strollers on the course. We do occasionally make exceptions to this for mobility impaired athletes. If you are a mobility impaired athlete and would like to participate, please reach out to us at FreedomsRunRD@gmail.com.
Can a non-registered friend pace me?
No, our permits allow a limited number in the National Parks. We discourage non registered runners on the course..
Miscellaneous
What is the Schedule of Events?
Friday, Oct 6th
2:00-7:00 PM - Packet Pick Up
Located at the the Midway Field in Shepherdstown - 301 North King Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
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Saturday, Oct 7th
7:00-9:00 AM - Race Day Packet Pick Up
For the Half, 10k and 5k, at the Midway Field in Shepherdstown, WV - 301 N. King Street For the Full, 6-7:00 AM at Marathon Start
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7:30 AM - Full Marathon Start
Located at HF NPS Visitors Center - 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
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8:30 AM - Half Marathon Start
Located at Student Center - 210 North King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
8:45 AM - 10k Start
Located at Student Center - 210 North King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
9:00 AM - 5k Start
Located at Student Center - 210 North King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
11:00 AM – Kids One Mile Fun Run
*registration available up to run time
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11:00 AM - Post Race Party
Located at The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown
Will there be a post race festival??
Definitely Yes! We will host a post race party with live music at the world famous Bavarian Inn, the host of one the regions largest Oktoberfest, a 400 meter walk from the finish line.. For those of age, the first beer will be free. Enjoy some of their famous Bratwurst and Strudel for purchase. Volunteers, family, and friends all welcome. We also welcome all runners and families to visit the wonderful shops and historic town of Shepherdstown and the surrounding areas.
Where can I sign up to volunteer?
Contact us at FreedomsrunRD@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer for the Freedoms Run or Harpers Ferry Half Marathon & 5K Run.
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You can also register to volunteer online at by clicking here.
How do I get to the Marathon Start Parking area in Harpers Ferry?
We will have shuttle buses (compliments of our major sponsor River Riders) from the Clarion Hotel/Shepherdstown and the Shepherdstown Student Center next to the Finish Line/Midway Field to the marathon start at 6 am. Marathoners can park at A & B lots. See parking map here.
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**Important: RT 340 in Harpers Ferry is closed for construction - there is a detour which will likely add 30-35 minutes to your trip if you're coming on 340 from Frederick. See below for options and details.**
There are 2 options:
1. Park in Shepherdstown and use our Shuttle to get to the start. To do this, follow your GPS Directions to get to Shepherdstown.
We will have shuttle buses (compliments of our major sponsor River Riders) leaving from the finish area at the Shepherd University C lot at 6 am to take you to the start. You can park in Lots A, B, and C. See parking map here.
2. Drive to or get dropped off in Harpers Ferry. Thanks to the park service, there is also free parking at the start line at the Harper's Ferry National Park Visitor Center: 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
We suggest taking the shuttle from Shepherdstown at 6 am but if you wish to drive to start please be aware:
*Rt 340 in Harpers Ferry is closed for construction. Please see this link for alternate directions to Harpers Ferry: https://wherealmostheavenbegins.com/340.
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From Northern VA:
Take Rt. 7 (Leesburg Pike) west past Leesburg. Exit onto Rt. 9 West to Charles Town. Follow all the way to Charles Town. (Do not take Harpers Ferry Road - Rt. 671 to 340.) From Rt. 9 West exit onto 340 North towards Harpers Ferry. Go several miles and exit to stay on 340 North. Go almost 4 miles on US 340 north. Go over the hill, and turn right into the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Follow signs to visitor center parking. If you took Harpers Ferry Rd - Rt 671, at the end, turn left onto 340 and follow for about 2 miles. Turn left at the traffic light into Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Follow Signs to visitor center parking.
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From Winchester and points south:
Take Rt. 7 E to Berryville. Exit onto 340 north to Charles Town. Once in Charles Town, exit to stay on 340 North. Follow for for almost 4 more miles. Turn right at the traffic light into Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center. Follow signs to visitor center parking.
How do I get to the start/finish area in Shepherdstown? Half, 10k, 5k start here.
Directions to Shepherdstown: **NOTE: Route 340 is closed in Harpers Ferry for construction. Please use your GPS to find the best route from where you are, avoiding Route 340. Please be aware that depending on where you come from, the detour could add 30-40 minutes to your trip, so please plan accordingly.
The best parking is at west Campus Parking lots H and G at Shepherd University (1/2 mile warm up to start ) See parking map here