American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado held its inaugural Liberty Run: Four Mile Run & One Mile Promenade on July 4th and had a smashing success for a first year event. With over 380 runners and walkers participating and several dozen cheering bystanders and family, we began this year's Independence Day with a fun, family-oriented event. The race was held in Washington Park in Denver and the shade from the many mature trees plus the welcoming nature of the park and the early hour of the race - starting gun at 8:00 a.m. - made for a very pleasant morning for all who attended.

In addition to the excitement of an electronically-timed race and the wide array of prizes given for several different race categories and age groups, ACLU also held a Best-Costumed Runner contest, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by a period-costumed former Board of Directors member - Gordon Gamm, a Fife and Drum Corps, a large fire engine from Denver Fire Department, delicious refreshments for runners and onlookers including ice cold beer from Wynkoop Brewery, and several booths staffed by our community partners.

We are excited already about Liberty Run 2003 and look forward to planning in earnest beginning January 2003. If you have an interest in helping plan for the 2nd Annual Liberty Run and Promenade, please contact Joe Mauro, (303) 777-2490, at ACLU for more information.

The 2002 Liberty Run and Promenade
was a fun-filled morning for all involved!

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