WASHINGTON — The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation announced today that John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will sponsor the 2025 James W. Foley Freedom Run at the “Freedom Protector” $5,000 sponsorship level. To date, the Knight Foundation’s contributions to the Freedom Run total more than $30,000. These funds help sustain the Foley Foundation’s mission to advocate for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promote journalist safety.
Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President & CEO of the Knight Foundation, said, “Knight Foundation is proud to support the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation’s annual run, honoring Jim’s legacy of moral courage and commitment to the truth. This organization is an important partner in our joint mission to safeguard journalists and uphold a free press, ensuring Jim’s values continue to guide and inspire us.”
Now in its 11th year, the annual Foley Freedom Run honors the life and legacy of conflict journalist James Foley and others who have died or been killed defending First Amendment freedoms. The event spotlights the urgent need to safeguard courageous storytellers who face grave threats to bring us news from around the globe—and the imperative to secure the freedom of at least 40 Americans unjustly held captive abroad by terrorists and rogue nations.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “The Knight Foundation’s support reflects a shared belief in protecting press freedom and the people who risk their lives to uphold it. We’re grateful for their generosity and continued commitment to the safety and freedom of journalists worldwide.”
This year’s Foley Freedom Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Rochester, N.H. —on what would have been James Foley’s birthday—and on Saturday, Oct. 25 in Washington, DC. Runners and walkers are also invited to participate virtually from anywhere in the world. Participants will receive official Foley Freedom Run T-shirts and can create customized individual or team fundraising pages for promotion. The Rochester event features professional chip timing, a Kids Fun Run, a Runners Expo, and a festive post-race celebration with live music and a beer garden. The Washington run is also professionally timed and takes place along the scenic Anacostia River in historic Anacostia Park.
Proceeds from the Foley Freedom Run directly support the Foundation’s hostage advocacy and safety education initiatives.
To Register: Visit www.foleyrun.org
Rochester, NH Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Location: The James W. Foley Community Center
150 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH
Schedule:
- Check-in and same-day registration: 8:00 AM
- Kids Fun Run: 9:15 AM
- 5K Run/Walk Start: 10:00 AM
- Post-race: Live performance by Thursday Afternoon Band, beer garden, and celebration
Registration: Online registration closes on Thursday, October 16 at 5:00 PM
Washington, DC Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Location: Anacostia Park (in front of the Roller-Skating Pavilion)
1500 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC
Schedule:
- Check-in and same-day registration: 7:00 AM
- Anacostia Park road closure: 7:45 AM
- 5K Run/Walk Start: 8:00 AM
Registration: Online registration closes on Saturday, October 18 at 11:59 PM
ABOUT THE JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION
For 75 years, Knight Foundation has supported a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in the areas of media and democracy, and the success of the cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation was established within weeks of his death. The foundation’s mission—inspired by the moral courage of James Foley—is to advocate for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promote journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the foundation’s work may be made here.