Early in the morning on the Fourth of July, air horns will blast off at Evergreen Middle School, announcing the start of the 44th annual Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice Freedom Run 5K. Runners, walkers and trotters from across the foothills will join together, as we do every year, in this celebrated community tradition. It’s a bold welcome to the (just after) dawn of Independence Day.
Every year, the run brings together 1,000 racers and nearly 100 volunteers, and this year is expected to be no different. It takes weeks of preparations to pull it off. The beautiful track follows winding neighborhood streets dappled with shade and lined with cheering volunteer teams, armed with bottles of water, snacks and smiles. Homeowners in lawn chairs and pajamas wave around every bend. “The neighborhood is so welcoming,” says Executive Director of Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice Kathy Laurnen, who often runs in the race with her kids. “People come out of their homes all down the street to cheer us on. Sometimes there’s even a man playing bagpipes on one of the street corners.”
“The Freedom Run reflects the very best of our community,” says Larry Chatfield—“people coming together to support neighbors and families during times of need. The Chatfield Family Partnership is proud to participate in the event and support Mount Evans’ mission for a second year as Presenting Sponsor.”
“Homeowners in lawn chairs and pajamas wave around every bend.”
Joining in the ranks this year, as she’s done for the last 20-something years, is Mount Evans Board Chair Allyson Gottsman. Last year, she and her family celebrated her 80th birthday with this longstanding tradition of walking the 3.1-mile track. “There’s such a warm sense of community,” she says eagerly, explaining why she loves the run. “It’s a wonderful event that helps us build awareness in the community about the treasures we offer for services and support.” Allyson has been involved on the Mount Evans board for over 15 years, which is demonstration itself in her belief in the Mount Evans cause. Both Allyson and Kathy’s long tenures with the organization are beautiful examples of how dedicated, loyal and passionate the Mount Evans team is.
The general community buzz around the Freedom Run similarly reflects a sincere love for the mission of the organization. Many people participating in the race have deep personal ties to the center, which works tirelessly to support the independence of aging residents in the foothills. Mount Evans supports four counties (Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park), including many people who live in very rural areas. “Without Mount Evans, we wouldn’t have home health or hospice care up here,” says Kathy. The run is an opportunity to spread the word. “The name “Freedom Run” echoes, of course, the celebration of July 4th,” she explains, “but it also reflects our goal for people to have the freedom to remain at home as they age.”
Recent Evergreen High School graduate Alex Fleet has been volunteering with Mount Evans for the past three years. “The more I volunteer, the more I realize the profound impact on the community that hospice has,” he explains. Alex stocks supplies for foot clinics designed to support foot health for patients. “I saw the scope of how many people they helped, especially with the foot clinics reaching other communities where getting those kinds of services is hard.”
Participants in the run will hop, skip and jump across the finish line and then head to a legendary Finish Line After Party. Teams of volunteers have their own race in the morning, preparing everything for the incoming runners. The After Party, hosted by Mount Evans, is a fan-favorite. This year it spans two adjacent spaces, both owned by in-kind partners Tabor and Laura Cowden: the Evergreen Athletic Club parking lot and the brand-new WagCellar Dog Park & Beer Garden next door, which is celebrating its grand opening. The parking lot hosts face-painting, sponsor booths, the race awards ceremony, and costume contests for both pets and people, with prizes for the best looks. Race participants can also stroll over to WagCellar, where a complimentary cold beer awaits race participants, and four-legged friends are welcome to join the celebration. “We are so proud to be a part of the Freedom Run in our amazing little Evergreen town,” Tabor says.
Thinking about running, ambling or trotting along the foothills’ most festive footrace for freedom? Sign up any time online or in person. Tickets are currently $45 for adults and $25 for youth under 18, and walk-ups are always welcome (prices increase $5 starting July 3). “It always feels so early, and I barely get my coffee,” Kathy says. “But when I arrive, it’s so festive! People are dressed up, there’s music blasting, and everyone’s excited. It’s always worth it.”
“The Freedom Run reflects the very best of our community… ”
To learn more about the Freedom Run, register for the race, become a sponsor, join the volunteer army, or make a donation to Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice, please visit freedomrunrace.org.
