Emporia Freedom Fest 2024 Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize!
- Date Wed 11th September 2024 - Mon 11th November 2024
- Time 8:45AM EST
- Location Emporia, Kansas
- Price $38.10 - $80.50
- Races 8 races
- Distances Ultra, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the vibrant Emporia Freedom Fest 2024, taking place from September 11 to November 11 in the charming city of Emporia, Lyon. This exciting 21st edition of the festival invites community members of all ages to engage in a variety of outdoor activities while honoring our brave Veterans and their families. The event features a thrilling lineup, including the flat and fast 5K Freedom Run, ideal for runners looking to set their best times. Additionally, cycling enthusiasts can participate in the 20-mile LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Ride or tackle the scenic 52-mile Eisenhower Ride through beautiful North Lyon County.
But that's not all! Challenge yourself with the Norwegian Foot March, approved by the Kansas Army National Guard, and join in the fun of the Dynamic Disc Freedom Fest Open. Families can enjoy the Cargill Freedom Fest Expo with static displays, demonstrations, and delicious local food. Throughout this amazing festival, you'll not only have a blast but also contribute to meaningful causes supporting local Veteran organizations. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary celebration of freedom, fitness, and community spirit! For more information and to register, visit emporiafreedomfest.org.
But that's not all! Challenge yourself with the Norwegian Foot March, approved by the Kansas Army National Guard, and join in the fun of the Dynamic Disc Freedom Fest Open. Families can enjoy the Cargill Freedom Fest Expo with static displays, demonstrations, and delicious local food. Throughout this amazing festival, you'll not only have a blast but also contribute to meaningful causes supporting local Veteran organizations. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary celebration of freedom, fitness, and community spirit! For more information and to register, visit emporiafreedomfest.org.
Organiser's Description
WELCOME TO OUR AMAZING 21ST EMPORIA FREEDOM FEST! Emporia Freedom Fest is a series of community events bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, mingle and honor all Veterans and their families. This event provides annual charitable support to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park; the 137th & 635th Regimental Scholarship Fund, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Fund, USD 252 South Lyon County Honor Flight program, and the KSARNG Enlisted Associations Programs.
2024 UPDATES:
Help us have another amazing year as we Run-Ride-Release-Ruck so we can Honor Veterans, the All Veterans Memorial Park and currently serving Service Members.
Our 20th Anniversary was an amazing year! Thanks to the almost 500 participants who made it a memorable year both virtually and on-site! On site we had over 400 participants, several dozen virtual participants including over 80 disc golfers and 90 Norwegian Foot March participants during perfect weather! Participants came from eight states and we had virtual participants in two other countries!
Visit our webiste - emporiafreedomfest.org for all the details and use this site to register. Registration is live the 1st of July. Virtual events start on Patriots Day (9/11) and end on Veterans Day (11/11). ON-site events are held 11/9/2024 at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Please visit emporiafreedomfest.org for details about every event.
"RUN" FREEDOM RUN 5K
The 5K Freedom Run is one of the flattest runs you will find in Kansas. The Course keeps to the flood plain south and east of the All Veterans Memorial Park. Place top three in your age/gender category to win Emporia Main Street Gift community gift certificates. Top three male/female riders earn our custom bike and tank part trophies!
"RIDE" FREEDOM RIDE 20 AND 50 MILE GRAVEL GRINDERS:
_LYON COUNTY STATE BANK/USD 252 VET HONOR FLIGHT - (SGT TIMMERMAN RIDE):_ (20 miles) Back by popular demand is our LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Ride (Timmerman Ride) - This twenty mile ride takes you directly to the South Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to Olpe High School This is very fitting as our net proceeds for this ride support USD 252 Annual Veterans Honor Flights - to learn more about USD 252 Honor Flights visit https://www.usd252.org/page/honor-flight We are helping fundraise for the next USD 252 Honor Flight which pairs district High School students and staff with area military veterans. It is an awesome event! Top three riders (male & female) earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-BIKES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.
MERCHANT CYCLING (PRESIDENT EISENHOWER) RIDE: (52 MILES) Our Eisenhower Ride is making a dramatic change and heading North! Good news is we are headed for the first time to the beautiful North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park in Bushong Kansas. We know you will appreciate the hard work and beautiful veterans memorials and park. Total distance is approximately 52 miles. Top three riders male / female earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-BIKES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.
"RUCK" Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Foot March
Let's take a hike! Test your hiking skills and see if you can earn a true military badge by completing the Kansas Army National Guard Norwegian Foot March! Norwegian? Yes! Our military partners with our allies for many events and exercises to include the 18 Mile Norwegian Foot March! This event is approved by the KSARNG and the Norwegian embassy and is open to all service members, veterans and civilians. It's a tough event but many can attest to the excitement of finishing the march and earning your Bronze, Silver or Gold Norwegian Badge
"RELEASE" DYNAMIC DISC FREEDOM FEST OPEN
Thanks to world famous Dynamic Discs, we are honored to host the Dynamic Disc Freedom Open. As you may already know, this course is only setup once a year at Soden's Grove park adjacent to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Dynamic Disc is an amazing partner and sponsor and as we all know holds fantastic events. Open to all and winners receive custom disc awards.
North Star Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge
Combine them together and what do you get? Needing a bigger challenge? Try your hand at our multi-event Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge!
Try and earn your Auxiliary Member Order of the Spur Armor Spur from the 1-635th Armor Regiment. This event is our version of a triathlon with a taste of the traditional Cavalry/Armor Spur Ride Event (Never heard of a Spur Ride? Check it out online....) First time completers earn the silver spur while 5th time completers go for the Gold Spur. Truly hardcore competitors think long-term and upon completing their 10th event earn the legitimate Cavalry Stetson.
CARGILL FREEDOM FEST EXPO
To help celebrate our 20th year we are planning on MANY static displays and demonstrations from our regional military units, branches and service members. Plenty for family and friends to discover, get hands on and explore! We will also have many of our Sponsors, Vendors and some great local food on-site for those not competing in events or providing support. Visit our Website and our Facebook event page often to find out who is coming! The Expo closes each year with a very popular event "the Storming of the Bridge" a WWII bridge clearing re-enactment hosted by the 101st Dog Company WW2 Re-enactment team.
"RECOGNIZE!"
The most important thing we do for this event (and why we hold it) is to honor our Veterans, their families and support local organizations who serve and support our Veteran Community. Net proceeds for our events have provided over $100,000 the last two decades to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park, the 635th /137th Regiment Scholarship Fund for children of Unit Veterans; the USD 252 Honor Flight Program, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial, and the Enlisted Association of the Kansas National Guard. Photos of past presentations and information about these charities can be found at our website.
2024 UPDATES:
Help us have another amazing year as we Run-Ride-Release-Ruck so we can Honor Veterans, the All Veterans Memorial Park and currently serving Service Members.
Our 20th Anniversary was an amazing year! Thanks to the almost 500 participants who made it a memorable year both virtually and on-site! On site we had over 400 participants, several dozen virtual participants including over 80 disc golfers and 90 Norwegian Foot March participants during perfect weather! Participants came from eight states and we had virtual participants in two other countries!
Visit our webiste - emporiafreedomfest.org for all the details and use this site to register. Registration is live the 1st of July. Virtual events start on Patriots Day (9/11) and end on Veterans Day (11/11). ON-site events are held 11/9/2024 at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Please visit emporiafreedomfest.org for details about every event.
"RUN" FREEDOM RUN 5K
The 5K Freedom Run is one of the flattest runs you will find in Kansas. The Course keeps to the flood plain south and east of the All Veterans Memorial Park. Place top three in your age/gender category to win Emporia Main Street Gift community gift certificates. Top three male/female riders earn our custom bike and tank part trophies!
"RIDE" FREEDOM RIDE 20 AND 50 MILE GRAVEL GRINDERS:
_LYON COUNTY STATE BANK/USD 252 VET HONOR FLIGHT - (SGT TIMMERMAN RIDE):_ (20 miles) Back by popular demand is our LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Ride (Timmerman Ride) - This twenty mile ride takes you directly to the South Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to Olpe High School This is very fitting as our net proceeds for this ride support USD 252 Annual Veterans Honor Flights - to learn more about USD 252 Honor Flights visit https://www.usd252.org/page/honor-flight We are helping fundraise for the next USD 252 Honor Flight which pairs district High School students and staff with area military veterans. It is an awesome event! Top three riders (male & female) earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-BIKES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.
MERCHANT CYCLING (PRESIDENT EISENHOWER) RIDE: (52 MILES) Our Eisenhower Ride is making a dramatic change and heading North! Good news is we are headed for the first time to the beautiful North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park in Bushong Kansas. We know you will appreciate the hard work and beautiful veterans memorials and park. Total distance is approximately 52 miles. Top three riders male / female earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-BIKES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS.
"RUCK" Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Foot March
Let's take a hike! Test your hiking skills and see if you can earn a true military badge by completing the Kansas Army National Guard Norwegian Foot March! Norwegian? Yes! Our military partners with our allies for many events and exercises to include the 18 Mile Norwegian Foot March! This event is approved by the KSARNG and the Norwegian embassy and is open to all service members, veterans and civilians. It's a tough event but many can attest to the excitement of finishing the march and earning your Bronze, Silver or Gold Norwegian Badge
"RELEASE" DYNAMIC DISC FREEDOM FEST OPEN
Thanks to world famous Dynamic Discs, we are honored to host the Dynamic Disc Freedom Open. As you may already know, this course is only setup once a year at Soden's Grove park adjacent to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Dynamic Disc is an amazing partner and sponsor and as we all know holds fantastic events. Open to all and winners receive custom disc awards.
North Star Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge
Combine them together and what do you get? Needing a bigger challenge? Try your hand at our multi-event Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge!
Try and earn your Auxiliary Member Order of the Spur Armor Spur from the 1-635th Armor Regiment. This event is our version of a triathlon with a taste of the traditional Cavalry/Armor Spur Ride Event (Never heard of a Spur Ride? Check it out online....) First time completers earn the silver spur while 5th time completers go for the Gold Spur. Truly hardcore competitors think long-term and upon completing their 10th event earn the legitimate Cavalry Stetson.
CARGILL FREEDOM FEST EXPO
To help celebrate our 20th year we are planning on MANY static displays and demonstrations from our regional military units, branches and service members. Plenty for family and friends to discover, get hands on and explore! We will also have many of our Sponsors, Vendors and some great local food on-site for those not competing in events or providing support. Visit our Website and our Facebook event page often to find out who is coming! The Expo closes each year with a very popular event "the Storming of the Bridge" a WWII bridge clearing re-enactment hosted by the 101st Dog Company WW2 Re-enactment team.
"RECOGNIZE!"
The most important thing we do for this event (and why we hold it) is to honor our Veterans, their families and support local organizations who serve and support our Veteran Community. Net proceeds for our events have provided over $100,000 the last two decades to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park, the 635th /137th Regiment Scholarship Fund for children of Unit Veterans; the USD 252 Honor Flight Program, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial, and the Enlisted Association of the Kansas National Guard. Photos of past presentations and information about these charities can be found at our website.
Races
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Southern Star - Warrior Spur Challenge (Run/Ride/Spur Lane)
Incl. $5.50 Fee & Cap
Sat 9th November 2024 (9:15AM EST)
$80.50
CLOSEDWarriors! Earn your coveted silver spur and become an honorary member of the 1st Tanks 635th Armor Regiment Order of the Spur! This three-event challenge begins with a 5K Run with self-transition to Bike for a 40 mile gravel grinder. You have four (4) hours to complete these two events. Upon completion your time stops and you will move to the Spur Challenge Lane to conduct multiple tasks that all Armor/Armor Cav Spur Candidate must master to earn the coveted Spurs. Don't stress the Spur lane- we will have a Soldier coach with you the whole way to guide and lead you through this amazing experience. This abbreviated lane is a ton of fun but will test your mental and physical stamina after a fast paced run and ride. Total distance you will cover for event (all three phases) is 45 miles. For more details and the how to manual, visit emporiafreedomfest.org. Returning challenger? Complete your fifth Warrior Spur Challenge and earn your gold spur. Ten (10) time completers will have the opportunity to earn the 1st Tanks Stetson! Each year in between ensure you get your leather tab to attach to your spur and signed certificate from the Commander. Remember to send us info and pic of your service member Hero you are participating in honor of, and we'll post this to our FB page and website as well prior to the event. -
Wagon Wheel Freedom Run On-Site 5K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Cap
Sat 9th November 2024 (9:15AM EST)
$38.10
CLOSEDYour on-site 5K run/walk or stroll is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as you cross the river at Soden's Grove Bridge Start/Finish line and run down our famous rural gravel roads into the Flint Hills. All participants receive our very cool shirt, edible medal, challenge coin AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your start, race, and finish pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Please send us info and pic of your service member Hero you are participating in honor of and we'll post this to our FB page and website as well prior to the event. -
Wagon Wheel B&G Freedom Run Virtual Challenge: 5K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Cap
$38.10
CLOSEDChoose your distance! Choose your Location and Date/Time! NOTE: You can start your virtual event any time after 9/11/2024. Your virtual Freedom Run/Walk or Stroll is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 5K. We just have one request - that sometime during your run please pass by or finish at your local Veterans memorial, park or significant site that honors our Veterans. Take a picture and send it to our event Facebook page or race coordinator Once you are done simply submit your 1. Time, distance and date 2. A photo of at your Veterans memorial/park and or finish line to (email) [email protected] All participants receive our very cool shirt, edible medal, challenge coin AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Challenge goes live 11th of September (Patriots Day) and closes the 11th of November (Veterans Day) each year. Please send us info and pic of your service member Hero you are participating in honor of and we'll post this to our FB page and website as well prior to the event. -
On-Site: LCSB/USD 252 Honor Flight SGT Timmerman 25 Miler Freedom Ride
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Fleece Cap
Sat 9th November 2024 (9:00AM EST)
$38.10
CLOSEDEnjoy our out and back route that takes you directly to the South Lyon County Veterans Memorial in Olpe Kansas. This ride supports USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight program. The route is named in honor of local Marine and WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt Grant Timmerman - Your on-site Freedom Ride is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as you cross the river at the Old Soden's Grove Bridge Start/Finish line and ride down our famous rural gravel roads into the Flint Hills. This event is self-timed! All participants receive our very cool shirt, edible medal, challenge coin AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your start, race, and finish pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Please send us info and pic of your service member Hero you are participating in honor of and we'll post this to our FB page and website as well prior to the event. -
LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Virtual Challenge: 25 Miler Freedom Ride
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Fleece Cap
$38.10
CLOSEDChoose your Location/Choose your Start Time and Date! Please start your virtual event anytime after 9/11/2024 For latest info please visit www.emporiafreedomfest.org New course length and new charitable purpose: Your virtual SGT Timmerman Freedom Ride is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 20 Miler. We just have one request - that sometime during your run you start at, pass by or finish at your local Veterans memorial, park or significant site that honors our Veterans. Once you are done simply submit your 1. Time, distance and date 2. A photo of at your Veterans memorial/park To: [email protected] All participants receive our very cool shirt and a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. -
On-Site 52 Mile Freedom Ride
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Cap
Sat 9th November 2024 (8:45AM EST)
$38.10
CLOSEDFor latest event information visit emporiafreedomfest.org This race route is named in honor of Kansan, President, Allied Supreme Commander of European Theater -WWII and Five Star Army General. Your on-site GEN Eisenhower Freedom Ride is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as you cross the old Soden's Grove Bridge at our Start/Finish line and ride down our famous rural gravel roads into the Flint Hills. This event will support the expansion efforts of our newest County Veterans memorial, the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial in Bushong Kansas and return you back to Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Enjoy the new route North through Emporia that continues to explore the beautiful Flint Hills. If you are not competing for a trophy then stop and visit/take a selfie and send to our Social Media pages. All participants will receive our great swag including the incredible edible medal, challenge coin, AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your start, race, and finish pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Please send us a picture of who you are honoring (Veteran/family member etc) We will post your pics on our Social media pages and on our website. -
Virtual Challenge: 52 Miler Freedom Ride
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Fleece Cap
$38.10
CLOSEDPick your route, pick your date and time! Please start your virtual event on or after 9/11/2024 Your virtual GEN Eisenhower Freedom Ride is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 52 Miler. We just have one request - that sometime during your ride you start at, pass by or finish at your local Veterans memorial, park or significant site that honors our Veterans. Once you are done simply submit your 1. Time, distance and date 2. A photo of at your Veterans memorial/park To [email protected] All participants receive our very cool shirt, edible medal, challenge coin AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Before your event please send us a picture of who you are honoring (Veteran/family member etc) We will post your pics on our Social media pages and on our website. -
On-Site: Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Ruck March
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Cap
Sat 9th November 2024 (9:30AM EST)
$38.10
CLOSEDFor latest event information please visit emporiafreedomfest.org Open to all service members and civilians, this unique Ruck March is a partnership event with our Enlisted Association of Kansas and our Norwegian military partners. Thanks to the Norwegian Embassy we can now open this event, sponsored by the Enlisted Association of the Kansas Army National guard to all. Total distance for Ruck is 18.6m or 30K. This event is held world-wide and many will compete often to earn first the Bronze then Silver and Gold Norwegian badge. This badge is also authorized for wear on the USARMY Service Uniform. This Ruck march is open to all but make sure you read the instructions. The standards are high and the event is well worth the challenge! For a sample training plan, packing list and approved attire/standards visit emporiafreedomfest.org All participants receive our very cool swag, incredible edible chocolate medal, challenge coin, AND a chance to win some great prizes to include one of our six custom trophies (made from old tank parts) and Emporia Main Street gift certificates. We will post your pics on our Social media pages and times on our website. Before and after your event please send us a picture of who you are honoring (Veteran/family member etc) We will post your pics on our Social media pages and on our website.
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