Event Description
Hurricane Helene rushed through the south the last few days of September, leaving in her path absolute destruction. So many lives have been affected by this storm. Her wreckage was felt by so many from the south of Florida, up through Georgia and even as north as Virginia. As we all work toward rebuilding and returning to some version of normal, there are some who really need our help.
Western North Carolina, especially the mountain towns on the outskirts of Asheville, have felt the wrath of Helene far worse than you can imagine. Entire roads washed away, bridges gone. No way in or out other than by foot, horseback, or air. These unreached individuals are living day to day, with no power, no clean water, limited food, limited access to medical care.
Blue Ridge Waymakers is an organization that is local to the area and working diligently get critical supplies to the areas that are hard to reach. Essential items, clean water, hot meals, medical supplies, personal care goods are just a few of the things needed to help the people of Western North Carolina.
When tragedies like this hit, community is so important. As runners, we are all too familiar with community. We feel it on race days whether you're the one running the race, volunteering, cheering along the way or handing out medals at the finish. We all know how wonderful that sense of community and support is. This can be and needs to be extended past the race days. The m mission of this race is to come together as a community of runners to uplift and support those in need right now.
Sweet Caroline Saunter is a Virtual 5K aimed at raising funds to directly help those in Western North Carolina. The funds will be donated to Blue Ridge Waymakers, to help continue their efforts in helping those most in need.
Here's how it works:
Register for the race, and 100% of your registration fee goes toward Hurricane Helene Relief in WNC. This is a virtual race, which means you run at YOUR pace, on YOUR time, at YOUR favorite place. Because community is such an important part of this, if you feel inclined, post a picture, video, blurb, whatever you choose on social media with the hashtag #WNCsupport, to share your race.
T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies are available, BUT NOT INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION. The will be extra and all funds from shirt sells will also go to Hurricane Helene Relief in WNC.
SHIRT LINK: https://www.bonfire.com/sweet-caroline-saunter-virtual-5k/
The race will be the weekend of October 25-27, so you have the flexibility to decide which day works best for you to log your miles.
There is not timing, chips, or photography. Again this is virtual.
If you would like to support in other ways, there is an amazon link with a. it's of needed supplies to help these individuals.
AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1KT06S1N33UBN
Let's show up and show support for the people of Western North Carolina, and help bring a little sense of community back.
