Freedom Run 5K/10K

Event Overview

The Freedom Run 5K/10K is hosted annually by Georgia Southern University's Army ROTC program. The event serves as the Eagle Battalion's primary fundraiser each year to support additional educational and training opportunities and events for Cadets. A portion of this year's proceeds will continue to benefit the MSG Christopher Decker Memorial ROTC Scholarship.

Event Date and Location

Date: April 24, 2027

Location: 4526 Old Register Rd, Statesboro, GA

More Info: Freedom Run Race Page

In Memory of MSG Chris Decker

Name: MSG Chris Decker
Date of Birth: November 22, 1989
Date of Passing: March 12, 2024

Master Sergeant (MSG) Chris Decker passed away on March 12, 2024 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. At the time of his death, he served as the Senior Military Science Instructor of the Eagle Battalion, where he had been assigned since July 2020.

Military Background

• Enlistment: Originally from Steubenville, Ohio, he enlisted in the Army in June 2008 as an 11X Infantryman with the Ranger option.
• Training: Attended Basic Training and AIT (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by Airborne School and Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP).
• Service: Deployed 11 times to combat and one additional deployment to Europe while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
• Roles: Held multiple positions including Rifleman, Team Leader, and Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant.

Education and Training

• Courses: Completed multiple advanced marksmanship courses, surveillance courses, and Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP2).
• Graduations: Graduated from Army Ranger School, Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, and Pathfinder School.
• Specializations: Trained in EMT-I, Black Dog Off Road driving, and International Terrorism Awareness Class (INTAC).
• Leadership: Successfully completed Basic Leader Course (BLC), Advanced Leader Course (ALC), and Senior Leaders Course (SLC).

Awards and Decorations

MSG Decker’s awards and decorations include:

• Unit Awards: Presidential Unit Citation Award, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award.
• Medals: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal.
• Badges: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.
• Other Awards: Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Registration Information

In-person Registration will be held Friday, April 23 from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, April 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 am at the Military Science (ROTC) Building.

Event Guidelines

The Freedom Run 5K/10K is a family-friendly event! We encourage participants of all ages and skill levels.

• 5K Run/Walk/Crawl: Participants of all ages and skill levels.
• 5K Ruck: For runners 13 and over. Participants must use their own weighted rucksacks with minimum weights (Females: 30lbs, Males: 40lbs).
• 10K Run: Participants must maintain at least a jogging pace. No walkers.

FAQs

• Registration Dates: Online registration closes at 12:00 PM on Sunday, April 17, 2026. In-person registration on April 23 and race day.
• Parking: Participants may park in Lot 42, directly across from the Military Science (ROTC) Building.
• Registration Name: The runner's info during registration must match the runner's name and age on race day.
• Walkers: Allowed in the 5K event. No walkers in the 10K event.

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash, not longer than 6 feet. No retractable leashes! We also ask that you pick up after your dog.