Erie Freedom Challenge to Highlight Memorial Day Weekend

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the Erie Freedom Challenge will embark on its second year in 2016, as it hosts participants in a 15K, 5K and Team Relay Challenge. The event will be held on Monday, May 30 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. Four races are included in the event – the Freedom Challenge 15K, a 5K run/walk, a 15K Team Relay, and a Kids Fun Run, which is new for the 2016 race. 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 designed for more casual runners, and is open to 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 2016 event from six states.

Proceeds from the 2016 race will benefit Operation Christmas Child and the Elijah Lodge Missionary House. A local veteran will be given the Freedom Award during the event’s opening ceremonies, as a tribute to his or her service to our country.

“After the success of our first event in 2015, I can’t wait to grow it for 2016 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 race off the ground last summer, 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.