On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College to discuss the annual race, the Student Veteran Organization it benefits, and the volunteers who make the event possible.
The Freedom 5K will take place Saturday, November 14th at Sauk Valley Community College. The event will be held rain or shine, allowing participants to support student veterans while enjoying a 5K course around campus.
A Race With a Purpose
Now in its seventh year, the Freedom 5K has continued to see gradual growth since its beginning, except for a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers hope to keep building participation and bring even more runners to the event in the years ahead.
All proceeds from the race benefit SVCC’s Student Veteran Organization. The organization provides additional support for student veterans as they navigate college and the transition from military to civilian life.
Valdez, who serves as a financial aid adviser and coordinator of veteran services, also oversees the Student Veteran Organization. As a veteran himself, he understands that returning to civilian life and adjusting to college can present challenges, even for those who receive veterans’ educational benefits.
The organization serves as an additional resource for students who need help covering unexpected expenses, including textbooks, bills, food, and other necessities. Through available student support funds, the organization can help veterans manage financial challenges that might otherwise interfere with their education.
The Freedom 5K helps make that assistance possible, ensuring the proceeds go directly toward supporting students who have served their country.
A Campus Course for Every Runner
The Freedom 5K course takes participants on one large loop around the SVCC campus, offering a mix of paved and grassy surfaces.
Organizers designed the route to give runners a combination of terrain, recognizing that participants have different preferences when it comes to running surfaces. While a small portion of the course crosses over itself, most of the route follows a continuous loop.
The race begins at the campus flagpole and finishes at the 9/11 Memorial.
The November timing has also worked in the event’s favor, with organizers reporting generally favorable weather conditions during previous races. The cooler temperatures can make for a comfortable running experience, although the event will proceed rain or shine.
Participants are welcome to show their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white, and blue, military-inspired outfits, or shirts from previous Freedom 5K events. While themed attire is not required, organizers encourage anyone who wants to dress up for the occasion.
Registration and T-Shirt Details
Registration for the Freedom 5K costs $30 per participant. Runners can register in advance or on race day for the same price.
Participants who register by November 1 will receive a free event T-shirt. This year’s shirt will feature a red design with yellow lettering, continuing the event’s military-inspired color theme.
Because organizers order shirts based on advance registrations, participants who register after November 1st are not guaranteed a T-shirt.
Registration information is available through the Sauk Valley Community College website at svcc.edu/freedom5k. Participants can also find updates through the Freedom 5K’s Facebook page.
A Community Effort From Start to Finish
One of the defining features of the Freedom 5K is that the event is organized almost entirely in-house by SVCC staff and volunteers.
From registration and race setup to marking the course, managing the start and finish lines, and handling race timing, the work is completed by the people supporting the event. The T-shirts are produced by an outside printer, but the rest of the operation depends on the campus community.
Students from the Impact program and SVCC Scholars also play an important role, helping with registration, setup, timing, and other race-day responsibilities.
Organizers emphasized the importance of volunteers in making the event successful. The race uses manual timing rather than an electronic timing system, and the course is marked by hand. As a grassroots community event, it relies on the patience, cooperation, and dedication of everyone involved.
Additional volunteers are welcome, whether they can assist along the course, help with registration, or lend a hand with setup and other tasks. Even a small show of encouragement along the route can make a meaningful difference to runners pushing through the final miles.
Running for Student Success
The Freedom 5K offers more than an opportunity to get outside and enjoy a fall race. It gives the community a way to support student veterans who may need additional resources as they pursue their education.
By participating, registering early, or volunteering, community members can help the Student Veteran Organization continue providing assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges.
With its seventh year approaching, the Freedom 5K remains a campus-wide effort built around service, community involvement, and support for those who have served.
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