BATON ROUGE – This Fourth of July holiday, runners of all ages will hit the streets of downtown Baton Rouge for a morning run as they compete in the annual BASF Freedom Mile.
The Freedom Mile, which BASF is sponsoring for the sixth consecutive year, is organized by Club South Runners of Baton Rouge. The event has been popular with casual and serious runners alike since its inception in 1984, said Ben Cherbonnier, a Club South Runners board member.
“At exactly one mile long, the race is long enough to appeal to serious runners, but short enough for casual runners to enjoy,” said Cherbonnier. “We enjoyed record participation in last year’s race, and we’re hoping for a similar turnout this year.”
More than 190 runners participated in last year’s BASF Freedom Mile. The race includes four separate runs, each one mile long, beginning at Hollywood Casino, and following River Road to the finish line at the U.S.S. Kidd Veterans Memorial. There is also a half-mile “fun run” for parents and children.
“The Freedom Mile has become an Independence Day staple in the capital area, and it’s a fun and healthy way for people of all ages to celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Mike Cohen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “BASF’s support of this patriotic event is one of many ways our company gives back to our community.”
Runners will be divided into the following race times and categories:
8:00 a.m. Masters and Grandmasters, Male/Female
8:20 a.m. Youth (14 & Under), Male/Female
8:40 a.m. Open Division, Women
9:00 a.m. Open Division, Men
9:20 a.m. Parent-Child half-mile fun run
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in a range of categories.
Additionally, a first, second and third place BASF Challenge prize will be awarded to top finishing BASF employees and family members.
Members of Club South Runners can pre-register with an entry fee of $10 until July 1, while non-members can pre-register for $12. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. in front of the Old State Capitol. All entrants registering after July 1 will pay $15. Post race food and beverages will be provided.
For more information or to register for the Freedom Mile, visit Club South Runners at www.lawired.com/csr, or call Ben Cherbonnier at (225) 927-9200. Other Freedom Mile sponsors include POWERade, Varsity Sports, Mockler Beverage Company and the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).
