Freedom's Run Marathon
Freedom's Run sends marathoners down the C&O Canal towpath and through Antietam National Battlefield, with race proceeds funding community projects.
Quick facts
- Long stretches on national park land, including the C&O Canal towpath and Antietam National Battlefield.
- Rolling battlefield terrain in the second half favors patient pacing.
- Marathon, half, 10K, 5K, and a kids mile share the October race morning.
- Race proceeds fund local projects through the Freedom's Run Grant.
About the Freedom's Run Marathon
Few marathons spend this much time on national park land. Freedom's Run has anchored a fall race weekend in West Virginia's eastern panhandle for years, pairing the marathon with a half, 10K, 5K, and kids mile. It is run as a community benefit, with proceeds going to local projects through the Freedom's Run Grant.
Course
From Shepherdstown the route drops to the C&O Canal towpath along the Potomac before climbing into Antietam National Battlefield, where rolling farm roads carry the hardest miles. The battlefield rollers arrive in the second half, so this is a strength course that punishes an aggressive early split.
Race-day weather
Mid-October mornings in the panhandle usually start in the 40s and finish mild. Fog can sit over the river early, and the open battlefield miles feel exposed when the wind is up. Heat is rarely the limiting factor.
Past Freedom's Run Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Freedom's Run Marathon FAQ
When is the Freedom's Run Marathon?
The 2026 Freedom's Run Marathon is on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Is Freedom's Run Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Freedom's Run Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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