The Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County kicked off autumn in high gear with its annual Freedom Run 5K, which raises funds and awareness about substance abuse and prevention.

Roughly 80 runners enjoyed the slightly cooler weather, appreciating the change in date and venue from July 4 in Sebastian to October at South Beach Park. SAC executive director Carrie Maynard-Lester said they opted to continue with the same theme though, explaining:

“We stayed with the Freedom 5K because our run really celebrates the freedom that individuals and families achieve through recovery from substance misuse disorders. We asked our runners to think about who or what they run for because we all need freedom from something in our lives.”

Proceeds support programs, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay, aimed at reducing the impact of substance misuse and behavioral health disorders through prevention, education, treatment and recovery support. Eddie Branigan finished first overall at 20:33, with Aja Beary the fastest female finisher at 25:54. For more information, visit sacirc.org.

Photos by Stephanie Labaff and Kaila Jones