FREEDOM RUN

in their nest red, white and blue out ts — gathered south of Evergreen Middle School to get some exercise, honor their loved ones and raise money for Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice.

e run on the Fourth of July had more than 1,100 participants this year, and Betsy Hays, director of resource development for Mount Ev- ans, said this was the largest crowd in years. e organization ran out of T-shirts. e Sewell family lives on Hiwan Drive, and it’s a family tradition to sit in front of their red, white and blue decorated house, waving ags and cheering on the runners and walkers. is year, dad Forrest stayed home while mom Julia ran in the race. Twins Luke and Olivia, 3, and big sister Asla, 5, were excited about the large group of runners and walkers moving down Hiwan Drive. e run is a great way to start the July Fourth holiday, according to many participants, with some taking part annually while others are new to the event.

Mount Evans provides home health care, palliative care, hospice, bereavement assistance, Camp Comfort for children who have lost a loved one, and emotional- and spiritual-needs assistance.

Some of the residents along the event route provided water, entertainment, water for the dogs and more.

Linda Dispense, who lives on Torrey Pine Drive, placed American ags along the road and waved ags as runners and walkers went by, saying that she’s been involved either by participating or encouraging others.

Brady and Kirsten ornton moved to Evergreen a year ago and their friends Kaycie and Josiah Knowles moved here three months ago. ey said they were proud to live in Evergreen and were impressed by the community spirit.

“We just wanted to be part of it,” Brady said.