On-line Registration Now Open http://www.harpersferryhalf.org
Harpers Ferry, WV- A new running and walking adventure is coming May 14!
In October 1859, abolitionist John Brown and several followers seized the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and brought national attention to the deep divisions concerning slavery. Over 150 years later the history rich parklands of Harpers Ferry again take center stage in events commemorating the Civil War’s 150th Anniversary.
On May 14, the collaborative between the National Parks and Freedom’s Run will expand as Freedom’s Run Series of Events is born with the Inaugural Two Rivers Heritage Half Marathon, 4 Miler, and Free Kids Fun Run.
The event will promote the region’s heritage, National Parks, local businesses, volunteerism, and collaboration while bringing attention to important issues surrounding family health, attachment to nature, and inclusivity for the large population of autistic children in the region.
The event will benefit two local non-profit organizations: Eastern Panhandle Indigo Children (EPIC) and its mission to improve the health and opportunities for children with autism, and The Outdoor Education Center of For Love of Children (OEC of FLOC) with a mission to facilitate healthy character development for youth and adults in a powerful outdoor classroom.
In 2009 and 2010, our region hosted the Freedom’s Run (www.Freedomsrun.org) through four National Parks. In the first year, the event hosted 1,650 finishers from 37 states. The event sold out in 2010 with participation of 2,700 runners from 42 states and became the largest event in the state of West Virginia.
Race Co-director Mark Cucuzzella runs the course almost daily over lunch breaks at his job at Harper’s Ferry Family Medicine. “This is truly an event of historic proportions. Every time I run this route there is something new for the senses and something challenging”.
Cucuzzella and local runner Patrick Schneble helped craft the courses. The half marathon will be challenging – with a mix of road and trail and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The four-mile encompasses the more gentle rolling grass hills of Harpers Ferry National Park School House Ridge.
Some of the major historical sites covered in the event include John Brown’s Fort, The Armory of Virginius Island, Bolivar Heights, School House Ridge, and the pre-Civil War towns of Bolivar and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
