WASHINGTON – The 10th annual James W. Foley Freedom Run will be held in Rochester, NH, and virtually around the world on Oct. 19 and, in Washington, DC, on Oct. 13, the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation announced today.
These traditional 5K runs/walks honor the memory of journalist James Foley and others who have died or been killed protecting our First Amendment freedoms and are also intended to raise awareness about international hostage-taking.
This year’s Foley Freedom Runs come just months after the 10-year anniversary of James Foley’s Aug. 19, 2014, brutal murder by ISIS after 21 months in captivity. He had been covering the Syrian civil war for Global Post and Agence France Presse at the time of his capture.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “The international targeting of U.S. nationals and their subsequent kidnapping or wrongful detention abroad continues to be a national security threat. It is an enduring crisis, with nation states now the leading culprits and the U.S. government without a national deterrence strategy.”
“We cannot rest until all Americans held hostage or unjustly detained abroad are reunited with their families,” she said. “We all must show the moral courage that was central to Jim’s life as we work to ensure the safety of Americans working and traveling abroad, especially journalists who often put themselves in harm’s way to shed light on the important international issues of the day.”
The runs feature Tech T-shirts, simple registration, fundraising capabilities for individuals, sponsorship opportunities, and, in Rochester and Washington, professional chip timing. In Rochester, the run also includes a Runners Expo, Kids “Fun Run,” and a post-race celebration with music and a beer garden. The Washington run is held at historic Anacostia Park along the Anacostia River.
The Freedom Run/Walk has a goal of raising $175,000 to support the Foundation’s crucial work: To secure the freedom of Americans unjustly held captive, prevent future hostage-taking, and promote journalist safety.
Rochester, NH Event Details:
Date: Saturday Oct. 19, 2024
Time: Check-in and day of registration starts at 8 AM
Kids Fun Run starts at 9:15 AM
Run begins promptly at 10 AM
Post-race: beer tent opens and a performance by Thursday Afternoon Band
Location: The James W. Foley Community Center
150 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH
Registration: Online registration closes on Oct. 17 at 5 PM
Washington, DC Event Details:
Date: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
Time: Check-in and day of registration starts at 7 AM
Anacostia Park Road Closure: 7:45 AM
Run begins promptly at 8 AM
Location: Anacostia Park in front of the Roller-Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC
Registration: Online registration closes on Oct. 6 at 11:59 PM
For more information visit www.foleyrun.org or contact Amy Coyne atamy.coyne@jamesfoleyfoundation.org.
