"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Freedom's Run race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Freedom's Run is just amazing! This is a runner's race. No frills, just a huge heart and amazing course development. The starting line was marked in duct tape! The race director, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, developed this race weekend to help promote health in West Virginia. He works tirelessly as a physician to help promote healthy living and healthy eating and that spills over into his running life as well. This race wears its heart on it's sleeve.

The expo was minimal, but I actually appreciated that. Instead of having a bunch of paper hand outs and stuff to throw out if you don't want it, they sent an email with deals and offers at nearby businesses. That's pretty cool! I dig not being wasteful. Picking up your bib was super easy and organized. I think it literally took under a minute to have my bib and finisher's shirt in hand.

The course was gorgeous. We lined up in this little town right outside the library right by Shepherd University. We made our way through campus and then across the bridge into Maryland and the C&O path. This portion was pretty flat. It was fairly narrow too so it was important to find your pace and settle in as passing wasn't always easy. We then headed off the path and welcomed some rolling hills. If you didn't hill train, this course would hurt! There were a couple of significant climbs for sure! Running through the Antietam was a humbling trail through history. Many lives were most there. With how beautiful it was it was hard to think of the violence those fields once saw.

At the end the course brought you back into campus and into Rams Stadium were you finished on the 50 yard line! That was pretty dang cool. The medal was incredible as it was a handcrafted piece of pottery made by a local potter, Joy Bridy! You were next greeted by a cool water bottle filled with chilled water! Needed!

Post race there was a physical therapy group offering free stretching/massage for runners and it was amazing!

Next, pizza! They had more pizzas delivered than I'd ever seen! Total score and man did that hit the spot! There was then a post race party across the street at the Bavarian Inn where they had some nice cold beer and a free pint glass! There was live music and Dr. Mark announced some awards for those super speedy folk!

Overall, this was a great day. I'm lucky I live within driving distance of this race. I definitely plan on repeating this race. Who knows, maybe I'll even shoot for the full 26.2!