Community Corner
Run for Freedom, Run for Fun
The July 4 Freedom Run 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. in Downtown Woodstock.
On your mark, get set, run!
For the 15th year, runners will compete in the Freedom Run on July 4 in Downtown Woodstock, an event that has drawn 700 to 800 participants annually.
The first event of the day's celebrations in downtown is the competitive 5K Race, which begins promptly at 7:30 a.m.
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“We have some pretty serious runners,” said Pastor Tony Crawford of Daysprings Church who organizes and sponsors the run.
The 5K event draws runners from all over because of the cash prizes and the appealing course.
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Per the online registration at Active.com, prizes are as follows: overall is $300, 2nd is $150, 3rd is $75, overall masters is $200, 2nd is $100 and 3rd is $50.
“We are everything the Peachtree isn’t,” Crawford said.
He said the event is easy to get to with personable staffing, a flat and shaded route and the course isn't difficult.
The route begins at Main Street and loops around, ending in front of .
Online registration closes on Thursday at midnight, but runners can still join the race by registering on-site.
The assembly table will be available as early as 6:30 a.m. in the Morgan’s Ace Hardware parking lot, also the location of the prize ceremony after the races have concluded.
There is a $20 fee to pre-register and $25 for registration on the day of the event.
Participants receive a quality T-shirt from the event, and sponsors will provide supplies for runners such as water and snacks.
For less-competitive runners, following the 5K is the Fun & Fitness Run, an entry level race for those who wish to walk, jog or run.
“Lots of families run together, and it’s a real family event,” Crawford said.
Participants in the Fun & Fitness Run also receive a T-shirt and prizes for first, second and third finishers per age group and registration fees are the same as for the 5K.
Crawford said the Tot Trot is the cutest race of all. It's the final race of the morning and is for runners 5 and under.
Just like mom and dad, these competitors will receive a T-shirt, but the registration fee is only $7.
“The day is a fun event and very family oriented,” Crawford said.
