5K Freedom Run/Walk

In Memory of Robert Friese and all others who have given the ultimate sacrifice..

7th Annual Freedom 5K in Memory of Spc. Robert Friese and all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice another success for the Veterans Freedom Park~

On behalf of the Veterans Freedom Park Committee; a huge thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s 7th Annual Freedom 5K; in remembrance of one of ‘our’ own soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget! We had 235 registered, the final results of run can be found at www.veteransfreedompark.com. We have so many people responsible for the success of this large event that are operating behind the scenes, that we are very grateful for. Great team work at its best! We have been meeting for months and putting in many hours; to make this day run as smoothly as possible. To all of our Committee members and volunteers- without your dedication, this would not be possible. We would like to personally thank the Saginaw Vet Center Mobile unit, and A&J Concessions, The American Legion Post 404 Honor Guard for being a part of our special day. Special thanks to Clare County, Sheriff John Wilson, The Sheriff’s Department with the Mounted and Reserve details for taking care of our route and signs, City of Harrison, The Sager Family for providing our water station each year, Harrison Community Schools, Kelly Taylor, Lori Cooper, Andrea McCrary & family, Deb Mason & family, Lori Minterfering & Family, Maye Tessner, Mike Georgia, Barney Mason and many others. The Girls on the Run group-Michael Long and Heather Jensen, for always being an active part each year. Dr. Maureen Gierucki D.D.S. and staff with the assistance of water hand out and their great support! To the many donations: Walraven’s Country Garden, Meijer-Mt. Pleasant, Sams Club, Walmart, Gordon Food Service, Dick’s Sporting Goods, McLaren Central Michigan, Cruze N Bounce party rentals for donation of tables and chairs. To everyone that assisted us with the 5K, your time is truly invaluable to us, and we appreciate your dedication. Thank you for your hard work put in with us to make this year another success!

We raised over $ 12,000 for the Veterans Freedom Park.

This is our largest fundraising event each year as these funds are crucial to keeping the park open and maintained. Whether you walked, ran, or came out to show your support; we appreciate your participation. Special recognition to all of our sponsors: please thank them with your patronage of their services on our behalf, without their support this run would not be possible. I think a common misconception is that now that the park is open that we no longer need the support and funds. Fundraisers, donations, brick and bench sales help with day to day up keep, monthly bills and grounds maintenance. Your contribution is the key to our success and we appreciate those that have stayed true to our course, the park office/museum is now open for the season awaiting your visit. Our deepest gratitude to Cindy Friese & family for making the trip for the event and the opportunity to honor Robert’s life.

First place overall went to:

Kevin Spicer-Torres with a time of 18:06 minutes (Last year’s overall winner)

Second Place overall went to:

James Holec with a time of 19:05

First place Women’s Division- Alyson Parks at 24:35 Minutes
First Place Male Masters over 50: Steve Seages at 20:40 minutes
First Place Female Masters over 50: Raye Walraven at 28:53

Our youngest runner top placing was Tommy Dewey, age 12 coming at coming in at 26;03 minutes and our oldest participate was Stan Curtiss 80 years old coming in at 31:10 minutes, Way to go!!!

Without our sponsors this 5K would not be possible. We are truly grateful for the companies, individuals and organizations that have stepped up and committed to the success Freedom 5K. Thank you for your generosity!

A huge THANK YOU to our Gold Sponsors $1,000 or more:

  • HUMANA
  • Members First Credit Union
  • Whitetails Unlimited of Harrison

We would like to recognize our Silver Sponsors – $500 or more:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Clare County Treasurer, Jenny Beemer-Fritzinger
  • Dr. Maureen M. Gierucki, DDS
  • Harrison Do It Best Lumber
  • Harrison Realty, Inc.
  • Michigan ARMY National Guard
  • Prosecutor Michelle Ambrozaitis

Super Clean WashesOur $300 T-Shirt Sponsors:

  • Budd Lake Bar & Restaurant
  • Clare County Sheriff Reserves
  • Clare Family Fitness
  • Attorney D. Todd Diederich
  • Harrison Chapter 408 Order of the Eastern Stars
  • Harrison Eye Care
  • H&H Lawn Care
  • Harrison Lions Club
  • K of C 7233-23365 Vet Comm
  • Kyle’s MFG. Co.
  • Medilodge of Clare
  • Mid-Michigan Community Action-Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families
  • Reinke’s Hearth of the Home
  • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
  • Representative Jason Wentworth
  • Vinyl Graphics and signs
  • VFW Post 1075

Our $50 Sign Sponsors will be located throughout the 5K route:
Clappison Family, Coyne Oil & Propane, HAEDCO-Harrison Area Economic Development Corp.
Herbs Etc., Mount Pleasant, Isabella Cat Clinic, Jerome Burger, Mears Group, Mission Family Chiropractic Family Center, Pro-Tech Cabling Systems, Inc. Stanley & Sylvia Grot, In Memory of Jim Whitehead
Mid-Michigan Health

Results Photos