Alumni lace up for first annual ‘Celebrate Liberty’ race

Liberty University’s Alumni Relations Office and Campus Recreation co-sponsored the first annual Celebrate Liberty 7.1K race June 28-July 4, drawing over 200 alumni and students from 36 states and even a few overseas. Participants varied in age, representing the Classes of 1975 to 2025.

Runners could participate in the race from anywhere in the world through the RaceJoy app. Those living near Lynchburg could run a charted course through the Liberty Mountain Trail System on any of the days or participate together on July 4. Participants were awarded with a 2023 challenge coin.

Melody Redfearn, a current online student, completed her run in South Carolina.

“I really enjoyed (the Celebrate Liberty 7.1K), and I thank God for helping me complete it,” Redfearn said. “Thank you all for the fun activity and motivation. I really loved getting to be a part of the Liberty community through this race.”

Dr. Greg Tilley, director of alumni engagement, said the event allowed the university to strengthen its relationship with both its residential and online alumni. They learned an alumnus in England participated as well as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Europe.

“The alumni department is a living link to Liberty, and our main job is to engage alumni across the country, from our residential and online programs,” he said. “The race is an opportunity to participate and be part of the Liberty family. Even though you may live in California or some other state far away, you can still be part of the Liberty family by participating in this community event.”

Those who were unable to participate in the Celebrate Liberty race will have another chance to hit the trails with the Liberty Mountain Trail Series starting this fall. The series is hosted by Campus Recreation at Hydaway Outdoor Center and the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre.