2025 edition, our journey begins in famous town Sainte-Mère-Église

The Liberation Trail is a journey through history, retracing the steps of the Allied forces who fought for freedom during World War II. For 2025, we’ve chosen to begin this epic six-stage trail at three iconic locations: Sainte-Mère-Église, Utah Beach, and Carentan. These places are not just names on a map but stand as powerful symbols of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of liberation.

Our journey begins in Sainte-Mère-Église, where one of the most legendary stories of D-Day unfolded. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, Private John Steele of the 82nd Airborne Division became an unexpected part of history. As the village’s church bells rang and flames engulfed a nearby house, paratroopers descended from the dark skies. Due to a navigational error, Steele and his comrades were dropped directly over the town. Amidst chaos and gunfire, Steele’s parachute caught on the pinnacle of the church tower, leaving him suspended in the night air.

Dangling helplessly, Steele watched the battle rage below him for hours, playing dead to avoid drawing enemy fire. Eventually, he was captured by German forces but managed to escape and rejoin his unit, becoming an enduring symbol of the courage displayed on that fateful day. Today, a mannequin hangs from the church tower in Sainte-Mère-Église, honoring Steele’s incredible ordeal and serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

As we step onto the sands of Utah Beach, we remember the American soldiers who stormed this shore against overwhelming odds, and at Carentan, we honor the fierce battles that raged to secure this strategic town. Each step of the Liberation Trail immerses us in the history, heroism, and humanity that defined the liberation of Europe.

By beginning our trail in Sainte-Mère-Église, Utah Beach, and Carentan, we pay homage to the past while inviting a new generation of trail runners to experience the stories that shaped our world. This first stage of the Liberation Trail sets the tone for an unforgettable journey across six stages, where history comes alive, and the spirit of freedom leads the way.