Freedom Run participants wait at the starting line of a past race. The Freedom Run is part of the annual Freedom Festival in Provo. (Jayare Roberts/Facebook)
Each year, thousands gather in Provo to participate in the Freedom Run that Ramon Zabriskie helps to organize. The decades-old race is a part of the Freedom Festival and is meant as a celebration of America, freedom and family.
“This is about the celebration of the Fourth of July,” said Tony Nisse, Zabriskie’s co-event chair. “(It's) about the patriotic feeling, love of family, the love of God, love of country and mixing that all together and saying, ‘Come and celebrate with us.’”
All are invited to participate in the event regardless of skill level. Zabriskie said that while a few competitive racers use the Freedom Run as a “tune-up” race, they focus more on families and individuals getting involved. The wide variety of skill levels is shown in the large chasm between finishing times during last year’s 5K - 00:16:29 at the fastest and 01:51:23 at the slowest.
A large draw for families and runners is the fun atmosphere that's promoted at the event. According to the festival website, participants are encouraged to 'get decked out in patriotic garb' for the run.
The event consists of three races of varying lengths: a 1 mile fun run, a 5K and a 10K. Depending on which event participants select to run in, the cost ranges between $17-$32. Both organizers emphasized the low price of the event as a reason for the race’s popularity.
“We have purposefully kept the registration price of the race as low as possible for decades,” Nisse said.
The Freedom Run route for the 2016 race. (FreedomFestival.org screenshot)
One issue facing the event is the large number of competing local races on July 4. Utah alone has at least 12 separate races scattered throughout the state during the day. Zabriskie noted that while the race typically draws more than 5,000 participants, he expects fewer this year because the race will be held on a Monday instead of a Saturday.
Unlike other races that utilize paid staff, the Freedom Run is completely run by volunteers. This year, the race is still in need of help and looking for local volunteers, including individuals, families and church groups. Those interested in joining can register online at the Freedom Festival website.
Local motorists should plan ahead to avoid the race route, which will also be closed for the parade immediately following. According to the Provo Police Department, University Avenue will be closed from 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They suggest that commuters use 200 West or 300 South to avoid delays.