The 8th Annual Capt. Matthew Freeman Memorial Run is going to be special this year, allowing participants all over the globe to connect this Veterans Day weekend for a common cause of honoring this hometown hero. Capt. Freeman, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Marine Corps pilot, was killed on Aug. 7, 2009, in Afghanistan.

The local run will take place at 8:30 a.m. at J.F. Gregory Park Friday, Nov. 10, followed by the City of Richmond Hill’s Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Because Veterans Day — Nov. 11 — falls on a Saturday this year, it is being observed on Nov. 10.Race proceeds benefit the Matthew Freeman Project, which awards annual scholarships to siblings of the fallen, as well as donating stuffed bears, dressed in the military member’s uniform, to the families of the fallen.

This year, however, those who want to be a part of the run but live away from the area, or who are working on Friday, can take part with the new virtual option.

Here is how it works: those interested can register at www.savannahraces.com for either the local or the virtual option for $30. Those who select the virtual option must register by Oct. 15.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, commemorative dog tag participant medal, and a certificate of completion by mail.

Those who choose the virtual option can run any distance at any time during this Veterans Day weekend. Lisa Freeman, Matthew’s mother, and her daughter, Marybeth, are encouraging people to run as a team or as a family, honoring Matthew and all of our country’s veterans.

The Richmond Hill High School JROTC Cadets plan to run, as a battalion, in small groups at the high school throughout the day on Nov. 10. The cadets have helped with the logistics of the race in past years, but are unable to do so this year since local schools are in session on Nov. 10.

Local runners can register online or at Georgia Game Changers Running Company. Packet pick up at the store will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 9

Those interested in sponsorship can contact MaryBeth Freeman at mb@freeman1.com or call the running store at (912) 445-2163.