Overcast skies and fog didn't dampen the community spirit and show of support for U.S. troops Saturday at the 3rd Annual Freedom Run in Discovery Bay. Several hundred came out for the half-day festivities that included the Liberty Mile Run, 5-K Freedom Run and Freedom Car Show.

All proceeds from today's event support the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund," said Mike Ketchel, founder and chairman, of The America First Foundation, Inc., and one of the sponsors of the event. "The Fund provides college scholarships for surviving sons and daughters of parents, who have died, become disabled or are listed as MIA or POW."

The moving opening ceremonies began with the presentation of flags by American Legion Post 202, followed by a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League Rifle Squad & Bugle. Troops from every branch - Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines and veterans - were honored at the event.

Participants in the first race of the morning, the Liberty Mile Run, took off at 9 a.m., with Matt Bogdanowicz of Livermore taking first place and top male honors in 4:58. "This is my first time out here and it's a really nice race," he said. "I try to support local events whenever I can."

Photo by Larry Haag

Participants in the 5-K Freedom Run are off to a fast start at Saturday's 3rd Annual Freedom Run and Car Show in Discovery Bay.

Some 30 minutes later, Bogdanowicz entered and won first place and top male honors in the 5-K, finishing in 18:21. Top female honors for the Liberty Mile went to Lisa Coonan, of Discovery Bay, in 7:08; and top female honors in the 5-K went to Leti Cornejo, of Oakley, in 19:36. The marina parking lot also filled up early, as some 100 colorful classic, custom, hot rods and exotic super cars sat sparkling under the overcast sky, as runners and spectators mingled at the car show, and voted for their car as a possible winner for the People's Choice Award.

Discovery Bay resident, Manuel Jardin entered his 1984 Corvette with 7-speed transmission. "It's only the second time I've entered this car in a show," he said. "I did it for charity and this worthwhile event." The Corvette, with all original parts, is one of 11 classic cars owned by Jardin. An awards ceremony and raffle drawing completed the day's event and the Freedom Gala, a benefit dinner, dance and auction, a tribute to all military current and past, was held in the evening at the Brentwood Veteran's Hall.