So why is a Penquin the Freedom Run Mascot?

The Oxford Freedom Run/Walk is a 5K event held on Memorial Day to honor fallen veterans of the armed services. Memorial Day is considered also to be the unofficial start of Summer.  So how does a goofy looking bird that has no symbolic connection with the military (like the eagle, nighthawk, or osprey) and that symbolizes permanent winter get to be the race mascot?

The answer is twofold.  The penquin is part of the race due to the symbolic physical challenge it faces as it waddles around the race venue.  The penguin also is actually supposed to be a Rock Hopper Penquin which fits well with Oxford topography.

Classic distance runners are very graceful and fleet footed as they seemingly glide over a race course from start to finish.  They are often described as or equated to the Road Runner bird ("Beep, Beep").  However, running is much more of an inclusive sport.  Not all who lace up the Nikes are of the wind.  Many hoof along challenging themselves to finish for the first time, to beat their own best time or to just  waddle and have fun.  About ten years back, one of the authors of running literature referred to all these non Road Runner types as penguins.  Although the Freedom Run does have its share of Road Runners, the majority who step off as the gun sounds are town waddlers--penquins.

Now if you are comfortable with the poultry running logic allow one more penquin step.  Oxford is hilly.  Oxford is really hilly.  Ever wonder why there are so many long private driveways? It is often joked that there are only two directions in Oxford: up and down. So if you are going to allow a Penguin to symbolize the every person nature of the race itself, why not pick a penguin that is good at jumping up and down on really rugged areas like rocks and ledges?  Such a black and white creature would be a Rock Hopper Penguin.

Well there you have it.  That's how the Penquin (Rock Hopper Penquin) became the mascot of the Freedom Run/Walk.  Please come to the event to run, waddle or walk.  Our mascot is Marisa the librarian.  She leads the children's Rock Hopper Fun Run.  The event starts at 8:00 PM at Oxford Town Hall. Waddle for it!