Freedom Run To Honor Murdered Rochester Journalist

(Rochester, NH) - The second annual James W. Foley Freedom Run will take place Saturday.

Proceeds from the 5K walk/run will benefit the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.

Voted as New Hampshire's Best New Race in 2015, this year's 5k anticipates over 4,000 runners to participate both in Rochester and across the globe via Virtual Run, created for those across the world who wish to participate but are unable to make it to the main event. Virtual runners are encouraged to post a photo on race day using the hashtag #IRunForJim.

All runners participating in the 5k—both in-person and virtually—receive Foley 5k t-shirts, and all Rochester participants are invited to join the Foundation for post-race food and beer with live music and raffle prizes right at the fairgrounds. so

"We are incredibly excited as we near our second race to commemorate Jim Foley," said Walter Hoerman, race director. "Our first year was such an incredible success with the help of so many family, friends and local sponsors. We're excited to welcome new and returning runners to the fairgrounds to join us in commemorating Jim."

Local sponsors include: Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Skechers, Cressa, Access Sports Medicine, Drummond Woodsum, Wentworth Douglass Hospital, CMC, Bernier Insurance, Tufts Freedom Health Plan, Safran, Albany International, Holy Rosary Credit Union, Alliance Dental Care, Turbocam, Revolution Taproom and Grill & Lilac City Pediatrics.

James W. Foley was a courageous young journalist who dedicated his life to caring for others through freedom of speech and democracy. He reported on injustices from across the globe, including some of the most dangerous. After two years in captivity in Syria, James was murdered by ISIS terrorists in 2014. The money raised from the James W. Foley Freedom Run will go directly to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the safe return of American hostages kidnapped abroad; protect press freedom and freelance conflict journalists; and educate journalism students on the dangers of conflict journalism and protection.

About the James W. Foley Foundation

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the vibrant legacy of James W. Foley as a committed freelance journalist and compassionate teacher/mentor. The Foundation seeks to advocate for the safe return of all American hostages and increased safety for freelance conflict journalists. The Foundation also seeks to raise public awareness of the silent crises of hostage taking and threats to press freedom through screening of the documentary, Jim: The James Foley Story and to augment the safety education of aspiring young journalists through the James Foley Safety curriculum. The James W. Foley Foundation hopes to inspire others to continue James’ work of giving voice to those who have none. Note: The Foundation does not raise money for ransom strategies.

For more information about the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, please visit: jamesfoleyfoundation.org or follow them at @JamesFoleyFund on Facebook and Twitter.