By Julie Stackhouse
Guest Writer
The first annual Mountain Strong 5K + 1 Mile Family Fun Run to benefit displaced Helene families in Haywood County was a success Saturday, Nov. 2. The event was held at the Lake Chatuge Recreation Park and runners and walkers alike came together for a cause bigger than themselves. There were 70 participants ranging from 4 to 84 years young, including several virtual runners from Florida to Pennsylvania to Colorado participating at the same time to offer their love and support from afar. Together we raised $3,000 for students and families who lost their homes in the storm.
A special thank you to Jerry Payne, Julie Greenstone, Aubrey Clapsaddle, and the Clay County Recreation Department, because without their support, the event would not have been possible. Other sponsors and volunteers included Murphy Dunkin', Hayesville Running Club, Hayesville Ingles, Snowbird Mountain Brewery (waters), Brooks Running Company, Jade Moss, Amy Trout and Hogsed Tees. Finally, thank you to Scott Hannah and Kim Matheson for so generously donating their time and expertise in the timing/event management domain.
The overall male and female winners were Eli Cheeks (19:48) and Sydney Greenstone (21:36), both rising Hayesville track stars to keep an eye on. Run on over to Stackhouse Fitness: www.getstackednow.com for complete race results.
No matter where I live now, I am proud to call Hayesville home. I am proud to be a runner. I am proud to be a coach and for the weekend, I was proud to be your race director. That was a new hat for me and I hope to wear it again next year. I have toed too many start lines to count all over the world throughout my running career, but each of you made this one the most memorable for me. You were all winners in my book. We did this together as a community, by showing up for our neighbors, one step at a time. Mountain strong.