Freedom Life Church invites the community to participate in the seventh Freedom 5K, as well as a fun run, on Saturday, Oct. 9. The events will take place at Salisbury Township Park, also known as Gap Park, located at 750 White Horse Road, Gap. All proceeds, including registration fees and sponsorship donations, will benefit the A21 Campaign, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reach, rescue and restore individuals affected by human trafficking in the Unites States and worldwide.

Organizers are eager to have the fundraiser in person this year. "In 2020, it was a virtual event; people just signed up and ran on their own," said Angie Dearolf, Freedom Life communications director. "We want people to come together for a good cause and to enjoy community again."

Registration for the Freedom 5K will open at 7:45 a.m., and the timed 5K will begin at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in various age categories, based on a chip timing system. A modified fun run will follow the 5K, and it will not be timed.

The 5K course, which will follow a trail around trees and ballfields in the park, is paved and will include low-grade inclines and declines. "The run/walk stays in the park," Dearolf explained. "The trail around the park is over three-quarters of a mile, so they do that four times and that equals the 5K. The fun run will be one lap."

Walkers are welcome to take part in both the fun run and the 5K. "We often have people come with their strollers, (but) in Gap Park, they do not permit pets," Dearolf noted.

5K participants will have access to water, fruit and granola bars. Other snacks, including cotton candy and popcorn, will be available to all at no cost. There will also be children's activities, including face painting and games. The park also has a playground.

The A21 Campaign will have an informational table set up at the event, as well as apparel for sale.

"We are also growing a relationship with North Star Initiative. They have a local house for those who have been affected by human trafficking," said Dearolf. "They provide a safe place and job training."

Non-runners and walkers are also invited to attend the event, cheer on the participants and learn about the anti-trafficking organizations. "It's a great opportunity for people to come together," Dearolf added. "It's a really good day."

To register for the Freedom 5K, visit http://www.freedom.life/freedom5k. Those who register before Oct. 9 will receive a discount; same-day registrations will also be accepted. A limited number of event T-shirts will be available on race day.

For more information, visit the aforementioned website or http://www.facebook.com/freedomlife.tv or call the church office at 610-593-5959. More information about the A21 Campaign is available at http://www.a21.org.