GS's Army ROTC program will host its annual Freedom Run 5K/10K race on Saturday, April 22 at the Military Science Building in Statesboro. The annual run serves as the primary fundraiser for Georgia Southern University’s (GS) army program and helps support a multitude of cadet events.
The race offers a traditional 5K run/walk, a 5K ruck and a 10K run. The 5K Run/Walk is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The 5K Ruck is for ages 13 and over and allows participants the opportunity to challenge themselves by adding a weighted rucksack, backpack or vest. Females must carry a minimum of 30lbs and males must maintain at least 40lbs.
Rucksacks or weighted vests are required to be weighed before and after the race. The 10K Run participants are asked to maintain a jogging pace.
Last year’s in-person race included runners from all over the Southeast. For those who are unable to attend the race in Statesboro, the Eagle Battalion still offers a virtual run. This has been an especially enticing option for Eagle Battalion alumni who are stationed or deployed throughout the world. Alumni from as far away as Alaska and Germany participated virtually.
As one of the largest non-military college Army ROTC programs in the country, the Eagle Battalion has plenty of activities in need of funding, including:
- Awards and commissioning ceremonies
- Color Guard
- Ranger Challenge
- Army Ten-Miler
- Bataan Memorial Death March teams
- Intramurals
- Alumni and JROTC outreach events
- Additional scholarships
The Eagle Battalion consists of cadets from GS's Statesboro and Armstrong campuses, East Georgia State College – Statesboro, and Savannah State University. Last year, the program provided over $1.4 million in scholarships and stipends to its cadets.
The start and finish line for this year's race is located at 4526 Old Register Road in Statesboro. For more information on this year’s Freedom Run, click here.
