Seward Optimist Club Plans 2020 “Virtual Freedom Run”
On the 4th of July, the Seward Optimist Club annually sponsors two races: a 2-Mile and a 10K to raise funds for our projects supporting the youth of our community. The races have become a significant part of the annual Seward 4th of July community celebration and families often re-unite in Seward each summer to run together in this event. Races begin and conclude under the Fair Ground Arch west of downtown Seward. In the past over 300 runners have registered from as many as 22 states. Runners from age 3 to 78 have enjoyed participating in this event. But, not to be this year due to the pandemic.
However, the Seward Optimist Club optimistically approved a 2020 “Virtual” Freedom Run to allow our enthusiastic city, county, and country walkers, runners, and joggers an opportunity to participate in and remember our 4th of July traditions and our Independence. This 2020 “Virtual Race” is unique, so changes had to be made to accommodate a virtual race. We hope to be back next year in usual and traditional fashion with all of our great sponsors of the past.
Registration is now open for the 10K (6.2 Mile) and the 2 Mile Fun Run through July 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM. Go to the Seward Optimist Club Website: sewardoptimistclub.org or you may go directly to: getmeregistered.com. Only on-line registration is available.
Cost for each race is $10.00. Children 10 and under are free with each paying adult. All walkers/runners will receive a MiraCool Cooling Bandana in red,white and blue in a wavy flag design. Pick up location, date/s and time/s to be determined at a later date. There is an option to have your bandana shipped for $2.00.
You will choose your race path for the distance you registered for. Complete the Virtual 10K or 2 Mile Fun Run or Walk anytime between now and July 15th. Once registration closes on July 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM, you will receive an email from noreply@mtecresults.com the evening of July 5th. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox or add this email to your contacts ahead of time. There will be a link in that email to your personal results page. Click on the link, select the 10K or 2M option, submit your time (H:MM:SS or MM:SS format), click submit and your results will be recorded! You may immediately download, print, email or share via Social Media, your Personalized Souvenir Finisher Certificate specially designed by Seward County Independent in the Seward 4th of July Spirit. Please note that all results must be submitted via the link in the email from noreply@mtecresults.com by Midnight CST on July 15, 2020.
So register today and get in on the 4th of July spirit! We graciously appreciate the support from Cattle Bank and Trust and Seward County Independent to make this inexpensive race possible for all to enjoy.
2019 4th of July Freedom and Fun Run Winners
Kyle Johnson (Seward, NE), 2019 1st Place Two-Mile Mens
Kara Schlueter (Seward, NE), 2019 1st Place Two-Mile Womens
Colin Morrissey (Omaha, NE), 2019 Runner-Up Mens 10K
Justin Vrooman (Juniata, NE), 2019 1st Place Mens 10K
Sinclare Fiala (Ulysses, NE), 2019 1st Place Womens 10K
Emily Berzonsky (Lincoln, NE) 2019 Runner-Up Womens 10K
Family and friends of Jeff Hartman, nephew of Sue Ellen Wickersham of Seward, NE. Jeff Hartman spent many 4th of July holidays with his Aunt Sue Ellen and always participated in the Optimist Club Freedom Run event. He even kept a pair of his running shoes at his aunts home so they would be waiting for him. Family members and friends of Jeff traveled from Kansas, Iowa and parts of Nebraska to participate in the 2019 Optimist Club Freedom Run event as a way of celebrating Jeff’s life.
