To honor the memory of the victims in the 9/11 attacks, the 23rd Annual Freedom Run took place Saturday September 7th from 8 to 10 a.m. Organized by Susie Schumann, Tiffany Haines and Tina Stolhandske, this “fun run” features a 5K course that involves participants completing approximately two laps around the school, whether they choose to walk or run.

The event supports the Elisa Suarez Memorial Scholarship, established to honor the life of Marshall alumna Elisa Suarez. On the morning of the run, Suarez’s mother, sister and friends gave a speech, reflecting on her life and achievements.

“I think it’s amazing that a person was impactful enough to be remembered in such an event every year since their death,” top finisher Amadou Fall said. “Listening to all the traits of Elisa said throughout the speech, it makes sense.”

             Besides serving as a memorial event, the run is a major occasion for the Cross Country team. Although the second week of the season typically lacks a game or meet, the team has chosen to dedicate that weekend to participating in the Freedom Run.

“I’ve  done it all four years of highschool,” Fall said. “At this point, it’s basically tradition.”

            For those participants with less experience, the event provided a valuable reflection of their current skills and an opportunity to achieve unexpected personal milestones. It highlighted their progress and offered a platform to measure how far they’ve come, leading to accomplishments that represented their potential.

           “This is my first time in cross-country, so I was surprised when I saw my times on the three miles,” top finisher Michaela Juarez said. “I did better in this run, and I was surprised when I had a personal record even though I didn’t feel like I had put that much effort into the 5K because of its easier pace.”

As fun as the run was designed to be, there were still students who faced some challenges. 

“Sadly, I didn’t have any competition since my varsity teammate, Jerry, was injured,” Fall said. “So for the whole two laps I was just trying to stay with the police car ahead of me.”

          The change in terrain from the usual grass and dirt to road also caused a difference in performance. 

          “Throughout the entire race, my shins were burning,” Fall said. “I suppose because it was different from our usual meet’s grass and dirt, but it wasn’t a huge hindrance.”

           To other runners, however, this change wasn’t a bother. 

           “I felt comfortable running it because I knew where I was supposed to go,” Juarez said. “I also had my teammates with me, and I enjoyed running with them.”

           Overall, the run was an excellent opportunity for the community to unite in remembrance, push their personal limits, and enjoy a day filled with camaraderie and fun with friends.

           “I’m grateful I went to the meet,” Juarez said. “I had a fun time with my teammates, and I got to see ways in which I can get better at running.”