Erie Freedom Challenge to be Held Memorial Day Weekend

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the Erie Freedom Challenge will embark on its third year on Monday, as it hosts participants in a 15K, 5K, Team Relay Challenge, and three youth races. The event will be held on Monday, May 29 with a course running through parts of Millcreek and Fairview Townships.

The race will start and finish at Walnut Creek Baptist Church on West Ridge Road. Six races are included in the event – the Freedom Challenge 15K, a 5K run/walk, a 15K Team Relay, and three youth runs, including a ½ mile run for ages 9-12, 350-yard run for ages 5-8, and a 30-yard Toddler Trot. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m.

The 15K course is USA Track and Field Certified, and sees a 441-foot elevation change, presenting participants with both a scenic and challenging race. The 5K course is flatter, catering to both competitive and casual runners and walkers.

Relay teams participating in the 15K should consist of three members and may be male, female or mixed. Nearly 400 participants are expected in the 2017 event from six states.

Proceeds from the 2017 race will benefit Operation Christmas Child and The Elijah Lodge, a ministry of Walnut Creek Baptist Church.

“We’re so looking forward to watching this race continue to grow with the help of the Erie Sports Commission,” said race director Caleb Lancaster. “A hilly 15K presents a unique opportunity for many endurance and distance runners, and with the event being on Memorial Day weekend, we’d welcome participants to come and spend a long weekend in Erie.”

“Caleb and the team from Walnut Creek Baptist did a great job getting their first two races off the ground, and I’m eager to see it take off from there,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “The varied races available give many participants the opportunity to get outside for a run to kick off summer in Erie.”

For more information and to register, please visit www.erie15k.com

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.