The Eighth Annual Freedom 5k Fun Run was held Sunday, July 1 in St. Germain. The event was started in 2005 in an effort to raise money for the new St. Germain Bike and Hike trail. Race officials recently presented a check to the Bike and Hike Committee in the amount of $4,300.00. This represents the second largest single donation in the history of the event, bringing the eight year total to $20,382.00. Funds raised in this year's event will be used to help pay the remaining balance on the recently completed Phase II section of the trail.

This year's race brought 239 participants in the 5k run, including runners from all across the United States. The top male finisher was Kent Harlow of Burnt Hills, NY, with a time of 16:46. The first female across the finish line was Sylvia Bedford of Fairview, UT, finishing in 19:01 and beating her own previous course record which was set in 2011. A record 76 participants ran in the 1-kilometer kids' run for children up to age 12; first place trophies went to Ty Gerstenberger of Tomahawk, WI, and Molly Drosen of Waukesha, WI.

The ninth annual Freedom 5k is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, 2013.