Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k & 10k -Registration opens 1/24/2026!
‘During the holiday season of 2008, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a Professor of Family Medicine, and Lois Turco, an advocate for a heritage area in Jefferson County, met by chance in Shepherdstown. Their conversation sparked an idea that would eventually catch alight and one day become West Virginia’s largest marathon, the Freedom’s Run.
An Event for Health and Heritage, their goal was to promote healthy lifestyles, walking and biking paths, and more involvement in the nearby national parks.
Freedom’s Run has continued to grow since then, and with the development of the Freedom’s Run Community Grant and Freedom’s Run Race Series including Harper’s Ferry Half Marathon, has been able to donate over $400,000.
The goal of developing Health and Heritage in the beautiful state of West Virginia is thriving.
Race Events
Marathon
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. 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.
Half Marathon
Our half marathon course connects the Civil War town of Shepherdstown WV via the C&O National Park Park to Antietam National Battlefield. After leaving Shepherdstown and crossing the Potomac you run 3 flat miles on C&O Canal National Park and then run up Millers Saw Mill country road to Antietam National Battlefield. When exiting the Battlefield you return to the Canal into Shepherdstown to the finish at Ram Stadium. Our Half has been highlighted in Runners World, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Bibrave as a top half marathon
5k & 10k
Our 5k/10k courses connect the Civil War town of Shepherdstown WV to the C&O National Historical Park. Both courses are out and back courses. After leaving Shepherdstown and crossing the Potomac River on Rumsey Bridge you run of the flat C&O Canal to the turn around. The 10k goes up river and the 5 k down river. You return on the Canal into Shepherdstown to the finish at Ram Stadium. A great relaxing course along the river for runners and walkers of all abilities.
Kids Run
Come run, walk, stroll a fun filled mile in Historic Shepherdstown. This non competitive event is FREE and open to all ages. Start in front of Sara Cree Hall, adjacent to the main Half Marathon, 5k, 10k starting areas at the Stadium. Run up the festive German Street and finish in front of Shepherd University Stadium. Strollers welcome. Last year we had 400 children running happily through our historic downtown….what a beautiful sight!
Volunteer
Do you love our local community and want to give back in some way? Come volunteer at the 2026 Freedom's Run. These events wouldn't be possible without the incredible help and support of our local volunteers. Email us at freedomsrunRD@gmail.com with your availability October 9th & 10th. These races couldn't continue without generous volunteers, so thank you so much!