Freedom's Run Half Marathon
Our half marathon course connects the Civil War town of Shepherdstown WV to Antietam National Battlefield via the C&O Canal National Park. The race is designed to attract those looking for a challenge but is also inviting enough for all visitors to enjoy the beautiful backdrop West Virginia and Maryland have to offer. The juxtaposition of beautiful views and the memorial of the bloodiest battle in our nation’s history is a humbling experience.
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Our Half has been highlighted in Runners World, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Bibrave.
Race Details:
After leaving Shepherdstown and crossing the Potomac River, you'll run 3 miles on C&O Canal. From there you'll run up Millers Sawmill Road to Antietam Battlefield. Your run in the Battlefield includes a view of Burnside Bridge and 2 miles of rolling cross country grass paths. When exiting the Battlefield you return down Miller's Sawmill, to the Canal, and into Shepherdstown where you finish at the Ram's Stadium.
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Distance: 13.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 915 Feet
Terrain: Mix of grass, crushed gravel and road
Race Start: 8:30 AM
Road: 6.7 Miles
Crushed Gravel: 4 Miles
Grass: 2.4 Miles
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Click Here to view Strava Map and Elevation Profile
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Course "Disclaimer"
The Half Marathon course is hilly with almost 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 there's been rain 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.