Mt. Juliet Run for Freedom returns Nov. 14 to aid survivors

Runners, walkers and ruckers can lace up for a cause on Saturday, Nov. 14, when the 4th Annual Run for Freedom returns to Mt. Juliet High School.

The race benefits Rest Stop Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that operates a long-term residential program for female survivors of domestic sex trafficking, according to the organization's website. The nonprofit follows a housing-first model and provides what it describes as holistic, trauma-informed care along with workforce empowerment services.

Participants can choose among five distances: a half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K, 10K ruck and 5K ruck, according to the race's registration page. Rucking involves walking or hiking while carrying a weighted backpack. Ruck participants weighing over 150 pounds must carry 20 pounds of dry weight; those under 150 pounds carry 10 pounds.

The course starts and finishes at Mt. Juliet High School, 1875 Golden Bear Gateway, and winds through the Greenway, Charlie Daniels Park and surrounding neighborhoods, according to Wilson County Source.

All events begin at 9 a.m. Race-day packet pickup runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the high school. An early packet pickup is also available Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cooking Around Town, 120 Providence Trail, Suite 1105, in Mt. Juliet.

Registered participants receive a custom race shirt and finisher medal, though the guarantee deadline for those items has passed. Registration remains open on RunSignUp.

Awards go to the top three male and female finishers overall in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. Age-group awards cover five brackets: 18 and under, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49 and 50-plus. The ruck division awards first place overall for male and female finishers. Ruck award eligibility requires a traditional backpack-style ruck; weighted vests and plate carriers do not qualify.

Aid stations stocked with water, energy gel, fruit and electrolytes are spaced roughly every two miles along the course. Restrooms are available at the Mt. Juliet High School athletic fields and at Charlie Daniels Park.

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