Registration & Packet Pick-up
How do I know if I'm registered?
You will receive a confirmation e-mail from RunSignUp.com. You can also go to the registration page and click on "Find a Participant" and search for your name to ensure you're on the list.
How many entrants are allowed in each race?
Per our permits with the parks, we have a maximum of 500 for the Half and 300 for the 5K.
Where is packet pick-up, and when?
Packet pick-up will be at River Riders from 4-7 pm on Friday and River Riders (Race Start) 6:30am-8:30 Race Day Saturday.
Address: 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
What happens if I become injured after I enter and cannot participate?
There are no medical comps, rollovers or refunds, nor can you transfer your registration to another person. Consider it a donation to our partner non-profit organizations.
Can I transfer my registration to another person or roll over my registration to the next year?
There are absolutely no transfers, rollovers, or refunds given for any reason, including medical reasons.
Can I register Day-of-Race?
If there are still spaces available, you may register at the packet pick up on Friday 4-7:00pm. We will have race day registration Saturday 6:30-8:30 am at River Riders.
Can I change my event?
Yes. You can change events Friday at packet p/u or by contacting us at freedomsrunRD@gamil.com. If you wish to change from 5K to the Half Marathon you would need to pay the difference between the prices. Switch from Half Marathon to 5K can be done at no charge.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes. We go by the honor system here.
The Course
Is the course road, trail, or a mix?
Half Marathon & 5k
The course is a mix of paved road, grass, crushed gravel and mulched trail. To see a break down with elevation profile and more info view their pages here:
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Can I walk the course?
Yes, the course is open for 3.5 hours to allow individuals to take in the scenery and beauty of our course!
Where are good locations to cheer?
The start/finish area at River Riders and the business districts of Historic Lower Town Harpers Ferry and Bolivar are the easiest to access for families to cheer on their runners and walkers and have restaurants and cafes for refreshments. Bolivar Heights at the top of town is another location as well as the lawn in front of Harpers Ferry Middle School.
Is there a medical tent at the finish?
Yes. There is a medical tent with trained professionals and EMT support.
What is the time limit for completing the events?
The half marathon course will be open until 11:30 (3.5 hr hour time limit) to allow both walkers and runners to experience the rich scenery and history of the course. The 5K will be open for 1.5 hours to allow either a fast paced run or leisurely walk through the National Park.
Where are the aid stations?
They will be every three miles on the Half Marathon course. There will be water every 3 miles, and electrolytes and gels at 6 and 10 miles. See our map for more specifics. Port-a-pots at 5 and 10. The 5k will have a single aid station at around mile 2.
Are the miles marked?
We will have mileage signs at the aid stations but individual miles will not be marked on the entire course.
How hilly is the course?
The Half Marathon course is very hilly with 1300 ft of elevation gain. There is a course map with an elevation chart included on the half page. If you have ever visited Lower Town Harpers Ferry you know what we mean. 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.
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The 5K runners and walkers will experience gentler rolling hills at Murphy Farm.
The Start
Where do I park?
We will have plenty of parking available at River Riders parking lot. See end of FAQ for detailed directions
What are the start times of the events?
The Half Marathon will begin at 8 AM, the 5k will begin at 8:30 AM.
Is there a place I can drop off my sweats during the events?
Yes, we will have a simple bag check, but we recommend you leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Medals & Awards
What awards will be given out?
Local businesses will be supplying some awards. We are a participatory event with a low cost compared to urban events of similar quality. We operate on all volunteer help, and are a non-profit….so we will keep awards really simple.
Will there be a finishers medal?
Yes! We will have a commemorative medal for all half marathon finishers.
Do you offer prize money?
No, we are a family-oriented event designed to appeal to all categories of runners and walkers and, as such, do not offer monetary awards.
Do you give separate awards to walkers?
No. The walking events are non-competitive and have same award categories. Walkers will be timed and do receive the same finisher medal and amenities as the runners.
Can I Bring My. . . .?
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, no. The furry friends need to stay home. There are sections of the race that are narrow and a dog leash will become a safety issue. Our insurance/ permits also do not allow dogs.
Can I listen to music while I run?
We disallow headphones when on any of the road portion of the course. The roads are open to local traffic and runners must maintain situational awareness for their safety and driver safety. We thank you for adhering to this which is necessary for us to permit the course.
Can I bring my baby in a stroller/jogger?
No, strollers and baby joggers are not allowed on the other courses due to the trail features. We do make some exceptions for athletes with disabilities so contact us if you have questions.
Can a non-registered friend pace me?
No, our permits allow a limited number in the National Parks. We discourage non registered runners on the course..
Miscellaneous
Will there be a post race festival??
Definitely Yes! We will have a family oriented fun, games, and food festival featuring local foods, businesses, and activities. We also welcome all runners and families to visit the wonderful shops and historic towns of Harpers Ferry, Bolivar, and Charles Town. Pizza City will provide the food complementary also for the participants, kids, and volunteers.
Is there a race shirt?
A quality long sleeve race shirt is included in registration.
Where can I sign up to volunteer?
Contact us at FreedomsrunRD@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer for the Harpers Ferry Half Marathon & 5K Run.
Is there lodging available nearby?
Yes! You can stay at the KOA campground in Harpers Ferry, or our race partner hotel is the Clarion Hotel which is offering a group discount if you use the link provided. The hotel is right next to the start and finish and where our afterparty will take place, so it's truly the perfect spot to stay for a weekend getaway.
How do I get to the Start Parking area?
Our Suggested Directions To River Riders- From the DC Area:
I-270 north to Frederick, MD. Merge with I-70 West at Frederick for about 1/2 a mile, Take Exit 52 - 340 West to Charles Town. Follow US 340 for 16 miles and cross the Potomac River Bridge. Continue 2 miles and cross the Shenandoah River Bridge. Follow 340 to the top of the hill and see Cliffside Quality Inn on the left. Get in the left lane and proceed downhill. (Look to your left and you will see our building - it is a large blue building with a red roof and "River Riders" in black letters on the front.) At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Millville Road (you will see a large flea market open on the weekends). Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right. From Baltimore:
Take I-70 west to Frederick. Take exit 52 onto US 340 West to Charles Town and follow the DC directions from that point. From Northern VA:
Take Rt. 7 (Leesburg Pike) west past Leesburg. Exit onto Rt. 9 West to Charles Town. Follow all the way to Charles Town. (Do not take Harpers Ferry Road - Rt. 671 to 340.) From Rt. 9 West exit onto 340 North towards Harpers Ferry. Go several miles and exit to stay on 340 North. Go 3 7/10 miles on US 340 north. Turn right onto Millville Road. Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right. If you took Harpers Ferry Rd - Rt 671, at the end, turn left onto 340 and follow for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Millville Rd and follow the above directions. From Hagerstown and points west:
Take 70 East to the Boonsboro Rt 66 exit. Head south to Boonsboro. Turn left on Alt 40 and follow through town. Turn right on Rt 67 and continue to Rt 340 towards Harpers Ferry. Follow US 340 for 1 mile and cross the Potomac River Bridge. Continue 2 miles and cross the Shenandoah River Bridge. Follow 340 to the top of the hill and see Cliffside Quality Inn on the left. Get in the left lane and proceed downhill. (Look to your left and you will see our building - it is a large blue building with a red roof and "River Riders" in black letters on the front.) At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Millville Road (you will see a large flea market open on the weekends). Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.
From Winchester and points south:
Take Rt. 7 E to Berryville. Exit onto 340 north to Charles Town. Once in Charles Town, exit to stay on 340 North. Follow for 3 7/10 more miles. Turn right onto Millville Road. Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.