Parley Pratt Run set for Saturday

COLUMBIA — The Parley P. Pratt Memorial Freedom Run will take place Saturday at Twin Lakes Park.

The event, organized by the Columbia Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is intended to celebrate the freedoms of America, specifically religious freedom. The run will be held one day before the anniversary of Parley Pratt’s escape from the Boone County jail on July 4, 1839. Pratt, a Mormon apostle, had been incarcerated for his religious beliefs.

The event will start at 7:30 a.m. with a flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a story and song about Pratt’s escape from prison. A 4-mile run/walk and a 1-mile walk along MKT trail will both begin after the story.  Each race is divided into four age divisions, and the fastest male and female from each age division will receive the traditional prize of a watermelon. Registration is free and will begin at 7 a.m.

A free breakfast will be available at the event. Anyone is allowed to bring a breakfast food to share, but plenty of fresh fruit and juice will be provided.