Tuxedo Brothers has announced that a special Carmel tradition will return for 2021 after some changes the previous year due to COVID-19. The annual Freedom Run will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Carmel High School with both five-mile and 1.5-mile options.
Tuxedo Brothers President Don Carr said the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control gives his company the confidence to put on these outdoor events safely in 2021.
The annual CarmelFest Freedom Run will take place on Saturday, July 3. Volunteers are needed for the event, and they can sign up here. (Photo provided)
“I think it’s nice that we can get back to some semblance of normalcy again and I think people are anxious to get back out and participate in events like these,” he said.
Participants can register at this link or the morning of the event from 6:15 to 7:45 a.m. Cost is $25 per person through June 27 and will be $30 per person on race day. You must pre-register by June 27 to guarantee your high-quality, patriotic race-day shirt.
There is a discounted rate for families of three or more, and there is also a free Kids Fun Run for children ages 10 and under. Snacks and refreshments will be available at the finish line, including popsicles for the kids.
There will be awards given out after the five-mile run for the top three male and female finishers, as well as age group winners.
Parking will be available at Carmel High School and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Strollers are also welcome at this event, but are encouraged to line up near the back.
Volunteers can also sign up at this link.
Carr said he anticipates heavy interest in 2021 because the event was virtual-only in 2020 and because this year’s run won’t directly coincide with CarmelFest, the city’s two-day Fourth of July festival, which will take place July 4 and 5.
“We thought about doing it on Independence Day, but Saturday mornings are just perfect for running and hopefully people that are usually busy with CarmelFest can now participate in the run,” he said.
Tuxedo Brothers has a full slate of events planned in 2021, including the Indianapolis Monumental Mile at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 3 and the Race Away from Domestic Violence on Saturday, June 5. After that, they head into a very full triathlon calendar through August with locations from Eagle Creek Park, Cicero, Noblesville and downtown Indianapolis.
“I know these events mean a lot to these communities and to the runners and so it’s exciting that we can get back to normal because of the new CDC guidelines,” Carr said. “I think it’s going to be a great 2021.”
Participants are encouraged to visit tuxbro.com for updates on all events.