Freedom Run serves as major fund-raiser to honor slain journalist

ROCHESTER - The annual James W. Foley Freedom Run is set for Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Rochester Fairground.

The 5K run and walk is a major fund-raiser for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which advocates for conflict journalists and seeks to help other families who have been devastated when loved ones have been captured.

James W. Foley, known as Jim to family and friends, was an American conflict journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 while on assignment and publicly and brutally beheaded there in 2014.

Jim Foley on assignment overseas prior to his capture. (Courtesy photo)

The Foundation seeks to "Inspire Moral Courage One Person at a Time" through its mission of advocacy for the safe return of all Americans detained abroad, protection of independent conflict journalists and education regarding threats to freedom.

Organizers hope to raise more than $150,000 to provide access to Hostile Environment and First Aid Training for vulnerable independent conflict journalists working overseas.

Foley grew up in Wolfeboro, and his parents have resided in Rochester for many years.

Check-in for the Freedom Run begins at the Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m., with the run/walk beginning at 10 a.m. Cost to enter is $25.

A post-race celebration with live music, vendor expo, food and a beer garden will follow the run.

For more info go to www.jamesfoleyfoundation.org.