Run for Freedom

Run for Freedom covers races with diverse formats: a West Virginia series near Harpers Ferry and an Oakland 5K coinciding with Black History Month. The West Virginia offerings include a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The Harpers Ferry Half and 5K take place in May, with a larger Freedom's Run event in October. The Oakland Freedom Run is a 5K run or walk in West Oakland, beginning and ending at Raimondi Park, prioritizing community involvement over competitive timing. The Harpers Ferry race crosses Harpers Ferry National Park. Runner accounts describe the half marathon encountering cold rain and fog at Antietam, contributing to the event's strong Civil War history atmosphere. The Oakland route winds past historic Black Panther Party sites, linking the run to themes of freedom, justice, and health equity. Registration operates on a sliding-scale contribution, with proceeds benefiting the Black Panther Party Alumni Legacy Network's survival programs. The race is accompanied by a free wellness festival providing health screenings, food, massage, therapy, and information from local groups focused on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and preventive care.