FAQ:
Who puts on the event?
The event is a COMMUNITY EFFORT! The SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial
Scholarship, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the primary event
sponsor and organizer but all the hard work and planning is done by many.
Representatives volunteer from the City of Marion, Marion Police Department,
Marion Parks & Recreation, Marion Fire Department, numerous sponsors, local
businesses and charities, volunteers, as well as friends and family of the
fallen soldiers who are being honored. These patriots come together to
provide runners, walkers, motorcyclists, and our community with a fun, safe,
and honorable event that is a good value to participants and a positive
event for our city. We strive hard to offer a well organized and friendly
event that honors our nation’s military.
Is there a benefitting charity?
Proceeds from the event go to the SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial Scholarship,
Inc. (
www.bowenscholarship.com). The Scholarship distributes annual
$1,000 Scholarships to high school seniors graduating from a Grant County
high school. 100% of the net proceeds of the event go directly for
distribution through Scholarships. As of year-end 2011, 16
Scholarships totaling $16,000 has been awarded.
When and where is packet pickup?
Packet pickup will be the day of race only. Saturday morning from
8:00am – 9:30am at the Registration Pavilion (Shelter #5) in Matter Park.
Can I register on race day?
Yes – but earlier is better. We will offer race day registration from
8:00am – 9:00am at the Registration Pavilion in Matter Park but strongly
encourage you to register online in advance. We cannot guarantee that you
will receive a t-shirt or race “goodie bag” if you are not pre-registered.
Can I push my toddler/baby in a stroller?
Yes, but only on the 2mi Walk. Strollers should be the last walkers to
leave the start line.
Can I run with my dog?
No. Insurance requirements strictly forbid animals in the event.
Can I get a refund if something comes up after I register?
Sorry – no refunds.
Can I switch events?
Yes, you can switch from the walk to the run or vice-versa but we ask that
you please notify us of the change in advance of race day. Please try
not to wait to notify us until the last minute as you run the chance of the
change not getting into the computer in time for the race.
Do you have any post-race activities?
Yes. We will be offering all participants, volunteers and motorcyclists a
free post-race picnic with hotdogs and hamburgers. The SFC Collin J. Bowen
Memorial Scholarship awards ceremony will take place at the Matter Park
bandshell as well as an inspirational talk from Wounded Warrior SGT Klayton
South. There is a FREE photo booth for all participants. Several branches
of the Armed Forces will have displays and you will be able to walk through
the touching “Hall of Heroes” tent with photographs of the Grant County
soldiers who have died fighting for our freedom. Also, the Indiana Air
Search and Rescue Vietnam Era “Huey” helicopter is scheduled to appear –
membership rides are available. Fun post-race music will be provided by DJ
Sound Solutions.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, but you should arrive early to make sure you see the pre-race ceremony
with the live playing of taps in honor of the fallen soldiers. Also,
the course will shut down to all vehicles promptly at 9:50 a.m. for the
safety of the participants.
Can I have someone pick up my race packet if I can’t be there?
Yes, but that person must have a photocopy of your driver’s license as proof
of your consent. Also, make sure you DO NOT take a timing chip for the
person who is not attending. Only runners on race day will need a
timing chip. There will be a $30 fee for lost or unreturned timing chips.
Will I get a T-shirt?
Yes. All participants receive a short-sleeved full color event T-shirt.
Race day registrant t-shirts will be limited to first-registered,
first-served while supplies last.
Is the course hilly?
The course is relatively flat with some rolling hills. The 2011 overall
winner’s time was 17:09.”
What happens if it rains?
We will still run – as long as there is no lightning in the area.
What kind of fluid replacement will you have?
Water will be provided half-way along the walk and run course as well as at
the finish line.
Is there food at the finish?
Yes. Water as well as cookies and fruit will be available for all
finishers. Also, we invite you to stick around for the free post-race
picnic for all participants and volunteers.
Where can I see results?
The results will be posted on-site immediately following the race both at
the event and online at
www.onlineraceresults.com
Will I have fun as I am showing my support for the soldiers?
ABSOLUTELY!
Race History
In January 2008, Marion, Indiana native SFC Collin J. Bowen was critically injured by a roadside bomb
while serving in Afghanistan. While SFC Bowen was in a burn unit in
Texas fighting for his life, the community of Grant County, Indiana came
together in an effort to raise money to support the family as they traveled
back and forth between Indiana and Texas. Friends and family began
planning the “Collin Bowen Run” in an effort to raise money and honor SFC
Bowen’s strength and courage during his battle to survive his injuries.
Sadly, on March 14, 2008, after a 10-week battle to survive, SFC Bowen
passed away. However, the event organizers pressed on with planning –
and successfully organized the first “Collin Bowen Run” in May of 2008 which
had 150 participants.
In 2009, the SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial Scholarship, Inc. was formed using
the proceeds from that first race and other community fundraisers. That
same year, the event name was changed to the “Run For Freedom” in an effort
to honor and recognize all of our nation’s military – past and present.
Now in its 4th year, the event continues to grow and has become one of
Indiana’s premier 5K races.
Since the Scholarship’s inception, over $16,000 has been given to deserving
Grant County high school students in honor of America’s fallen soldiers.
The Run For Freedom supports the Scholarship mission. For more information
about the Scholarship please visit
www.bowenscholarship.com.