Foley Freedom Run raises nearly $100G to aid conflict journalists, hostages

Now in its fifth year, The Foley Freedom Run consists of a traditional 5K Run/Walk held in both Rochester on Saturday, and another in Washington today as well as a "Virtual" Run/Walk, held all over the world. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers turned out on a gorgeous, crisp Saturday morning for the Fifth Annual running of the James W. Foley Freedom Run to support protection and equity for independent conflict journalists and the basic human rights of all people.

A second run is planned today in Washington with the proceeds from both runs as well as virtual runners around the world going to support the Foley Foundation mission of protections for journalists and those held against their will in wartorn countries around the world.

Jim Foley, on assignment overseas. (Courtesy photo)

The run began and started at the Rochester Community Center on Wakefield Street. As of today some $90,000 of the foundation's $150,000 goal for this year had been raised.

Jim Foley, as he was known by friends and family, was an American photojournalist whose August 2014 beheading by ISIS was captured on video and uploaded to the Internet to be seen by a shocked and horrified civilized world.

Foley grew up in Wolfeboro and had ties to Rochester where his parents, Diane and John, still live.

Now in its fifth year, The Foley Freedom Run consists of a traditional 5K Run/Walk held in both Rochester on Saturday, and another in Washington today as well as a "Virtual" Run/Walk, held all over the world.

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation's mission is to share and promote Jim's legacy, seeking "those who value moral courage and have a compassionate commitment to freedom for Americans taken hostage abroad, freedom of the press, protection and equity for independent conflict journalists and the basic human rights of all people."