Fugitive 3 Mile Escape Run, Ligonier

The escaped inmates’ hearts pump hard in their chests as they zig and zag through a forest, evading the grasp of a guard in hot pursuit. Scuttling up the mud-lined slope of a hill, the fugitives holler with frustration as the guard closes in on them, ripping a flag off their belts before retreating back into the trees. Though this adrenaline-filled scene could be from a blockbuster film, it’s a common sight at the many Fugitive 3 Mile Escape Runs held across the country.

Before taking off in their race heat, runners of all ages, dubbed inmates, slip into flag belts festooned with three flags. They leap, roll, crawl, and do-si-do across the course toward their freedom, seeking out the elusive finish line while avoiding the flag-grabbing hands of the race’s resident guards. Water and aid stations throughout the course ensure that inmates remain hydrated and safe, and supportive loved ones can hand nail-file-filled cakes to their favorite inmate from the spectator section. Once safely on the other side of the race, participants revel in their accomplishment at the freedom celebration, where live music, food, and drinks bolster the festive post-run atmosphere.