Freedom's Run Full Marathon
Our entire marathon course is encased in National Park Land with a brief detour on a country road connecting them. The event finishes in the historical town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The race is designed to attract those looking for a challenge but also lure visitors to enjoy the beautiful backdrop West Virginia and Maryland have the offer. The full marathon runs through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and continues onto the C&O Canal where it meets with the half marathon runners to begin the steady incline to Antietam National Battlefield. The incredible views and the memorial of the bloodiest battle in our nation’s history is a humbling experience.
Race Details:
The full marathon is a point to point with a small net elevation loss. You warm up with 4.5 miles in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, cover 13 flat miles on the C&O Canal National Park, run up Millers Saw Mill Road to Antietam National Battlefield. Your 4.5 mile run in the Battlefield includes a view of Burnside Bridge and 2 miles of rolling cross country style grassy paths. When exiting the Battlefield you return to the Canal into Shepherdstown to the finish at Shepherd University Ram Stadium. Our course is a USATF certified Boston Qualifier.
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Distance: 26.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,414 Feet
Terrain: Mix of grass, crushed gravel and road
Race Start: 7:30 AM
Road: 8 Miles
Crushed Gravel: 15 Miles
Grass: 3 Miles
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Click Here to view Strava Map and Elevation Profile
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Course "Disclaimer"
The Marathon course is hilly with over 1000 ft of elevation gain. You can find a course map with an elevation profile here. The hill exiting the Canal is steep as is the descent back down. The grassy stretches can be slick if it's been rainy, but the trails are very runnable and not technical. The course is not designed for a personal record time. We want you to experience the challenge and rich sights along the way on this unforgettable route.