Freedom Run

Saturday, June 29, 2013

For over thirty years the N.C. 4th of July Festival Freedom Run has been racing through Southport. Held the Saturday before the festival the 5k run and 1 mile fun run begins and ends at the beautiful Waterfront Park(101 E. Bay Street). The Freedom Run is a family affair, which lives up to its name. Generations of families participate in the event, some wearing “team “shirts bearing the family name, while others show their patriotism as is the case with the gentleman who runs each year holding “Old Glory” high as he crosses the finish line.

The Freedom Run Course is a serene tour of Southport. The 5k run course begins at the Southport Waterfront with the firing of “Thor”, Southport Historical Society’s cannon. It then travels through the historic district under a canopy of live oak trees, which line the streets ending back at the Waterfront Park with spectators cheering participants as they cross the finish line.

Southport is home to various artisans including many talented potters, which is showcased in the Freedom Run. Overall and age groups award winners are presented with one of a kind pottery bowls from an area potter. 

New for 2013 will be a Color Gauntlet.   Runners will have the choice at two locations on course to run through a gauntlet where colored cornstarch will be sprayed on the participants. To prepare make sure to wear a white shirt that you don't care that might stain and sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.  

The 2012 N.C. Freedom Run & Walk was held on Saturday, June 30th. The  event  drew a record 477 participants and the course record was broken by Owen Deale with a time of 15:49.  In 2013, the N.C. 4th of July Festival Freedom Run will be held on Saturday, June 29th.   The 5k event will begin at 8am.  The 1 mile Fun Run will begin immediately following the 5k (approximately 9am).

Plan your race with a virtual tour of the 4th of July Freedom Run 5K Course. The race starts and ends at the Southport City Pier. Each street on the course is labeled along with the water stations at the one and two mile marks.