Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize!
About this race
WELCOME TO OUR AMAZING 23rd 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; the 137th & 635th Regimental Scholarship Fund, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Fund, USD 252 South Lyon County Honor Flight program, and the KSARNG Enlisted Association Programs.
Visit our website - 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 (11/07).
On-site events are held 11/7/2026 at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Please visit emporiafreedomfest.org for details about every event.
"RUN" Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill 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 mile Gravel Grinders:
Lyon County State Bank/USD 252 Vet Honor Flight - (SGT Timmerman Ride): (20-22 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.
New Update (3/1/2026) The Eisenhower Freedom 50 Mile Race On-Site . We will continue to have the Eisenhower Freedom Ride (50 miler) with our virtual option. Proceeds for this event will still be provided to the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial. See registration and website for virtual event instructions. We encourage to visit an amazing Veterans Memorial for the town of Bushong and Veterans from North Lyon County, Kansas.
New Event Addition! Mini-Mission Dash! This event is for children / kids able to ride a bike and 10 years of age or younger. Participants will be observable at all times by parents and guardians.
All activities for the "mission" will be child/age appropriate and safe. Face painting will only be allowed if approved by a parent/guardian for each child.
Age 7 and Under Distance for the ride will be .25 miles out and .25 miles back.
Age 8-10 ride distance will be .5 out and back.
start point is just south of the start point bridge will be the mission training area for parents and friends to observe the riders as well as their "mission phase" of the event. A map for this route and area is in the maps and timeline section of our site website. At the secret mission point each participant will be given several age-appropriate tasks to complete that have a "military mission style."
Participants earn a mission complete certificate, have opportunity to camo up with face paint and a custom event bib/bike registration plate and Sweet Granada Incredible and Edible Chocolate Medal. Free and limited to kids 10 and under.
"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.
Southern Star Pipeline / 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!
Compete to 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.
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!
"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.
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSE MIDNIGHT NOVEMBER 3rd
Join fellow runners on September 11, 2021 for the Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize!. It's a fantastic 5K, 25.7K, Ultra, 16.1K, On-site: Gravel City Supply and Adventure EANGKS Run/Ruck March Challenge (12 Miler), Vigilance Martial Arts Murph Challenge Individual Categories, 10K, Murph Challenge TEAM Category Event featuring a flat and fast course in Emporia.
Pick your distance
Running
LCSB Virtual Challenge: 5K or 10K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll
Choose your distance! Your virtual Lyon County State Bank Freedom Run/Walk or Stroll is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 5K or 10K. 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) emscommunitydevelopment@emporia-Kansas.gov 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.
Virtual Challenge: Gravel City Supply and Adventure SGT Timmerman 16 Miler Freedom Ride
Your virtual Freedom Ride is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 16 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 emscommunitydevelopment@emporia-Kansas.gov 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.
Virtual Challenge: Gravel City Supply and Adventure GEN Eisenhower 40 Miler Freedom Ride
Your virtual GEN Eisenhower Freedom Ride is a great way to pick your time and location to finish your 40 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 emscommunitydevelopment@emporia-Kansas.gov 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.
EANGKS Kansas Proud Virtual Challenge: Run/Ruck March (12 Miler)
Your virtual Enlisted Association National Guard of Kansas (EANGKS_ 10 Miler is a chance to push yourself -whether you are preparing for the Army Ten Miler, a marathon or just to get in a few extra miles. This Ruck march is open to all and you can go "light or heavy" based on whatever level of challenge you wish to meet! -Light challenge is simply a walk or run of the 10 miler. -Heavy challenge requires you to show up with a rucksack/backpack with at least 35lbs of food/items that will be donated as part of our Soldier Care Packages for deployed Soldiers during the holidays. Want an even greater challenge? See if you can meet our Air Assault standards and complete the heavy ruck march in under 3 hours! Special recognition item will be provided to all who meet this challenge! Your virtual event is great way to pick your time and location. We just have one request - that sometime during your event challenge 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 you during or at the end of your event to: emscommunitydevelopment@emporia-Kansas.gov 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.
LCSB On-Site 5K Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll
Your on-site Lyon County State Bank 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.
On-site: Gravel City Supply and Adventure EANGKS Run/Ruck March Challenge (12 Miler)
Your on-site Enlisted Association National Guard of Kansas (EANGKS) 10 Miler is a chance to push yourself -whether you are preparing for the Army Ten Miler, a marathon or just to get in a few extra miles. This Ruck march is open to all and you can go "light or heavy" based on whatever level of challenge you wish to meet! -Light challenge is simply a walk or run of the 10 miler. -Heavy challenge requires you to show up with a rucksack/backpack with at least 35lbs of food/items that will be donated as part of our Soldier Care Packages for deployed Soldiers during the holidays. Want an even greater challenge? See if you can meet our Air Assault standards and complete the heavy ruck march in under 3 hours! Special recognition item will be provided to all who meet this challenge! 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 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.
Vigilance Martial Arts Murph Challenge Individual Categories
There are three categories for an individual or a team to participate: Full: Mile Run 100 Pullups 200 Pushups 300 Air Squats Mile Run Modified .5 mile Run/Walk 25 Chin ups or 5 Leg Tucks 75 Push Ups 100 Air Squats .5 Mile Run/Walk Adaptive -If you have physical limitations you can self modify this event to ensure you stay within your safe fitness limits. Simply notify the lane manager what you will be doing/adjusting to participate. There will be prizes for top finishers in the Full Category of the Murph Challenge. Opening Ceremony at 8:30 Awards ceremony is at 12pm thank you to Vigilance Marshall Arts for sponsoring this event and awards.
LCSB 10K (On-site) Freedom Run
10K version of the LCSB Freedom Run. Same start time as all other Freedom Run events. Gift certificates for top runners in each age category. Trophies for top male and female runners
Murph Challenge TEAM Category Event
Must have at least 3 team members Awards for top team Travelling trophy for best gym/crossfit/workout facility team Teams will divide up the tasks as they see fit to complete the Murph Challenge. However all must complete the running events
Adventure race
"Will to Win" Warrior Spur Challenge (Run/Ride/Spur Lane)
Warriors! 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 -___ minutes to complete these two events. Upon completion your time stops and you will move to the Spur Challenge Lane to conduct multiple tasks that a Army Cav Spur Candidate must master to earn the coveted Cav Spurs. This abbreviated lane is a ton of fun but will test your menal and physical stamina after a fast paced run and ride. For more details and how to manual visit emporiafreedomfest.org. Returning challenger? Complete your fifth Warrior Spur Challenge and earn your gold spur. 10 time completers will have the opportunity to earn the 1st Tanks Stetson! 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.
Gravel biking
On-Site Gravel City Supply and Adventure Sgt Timmerman 16 Miler Freedom Ride
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.
On-site Gravel City Supply and Adventure GEN Eisenhower 40 Miler Freedom Ride
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 is self-timed. All participants will 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 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.
Weather Overview
These values reflect historical conditions on the race dates in Emporia in 2021, from Open-Meteo archive data.
About Emporia
Emporia Freedom Fest Run-Ride-Ruck-Release and Recognize! takes place in Emporia, Kansas, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.