Events
5k Kids Dash
Description
We’re thrilled to have you join us in the beautiful mountain town of Spruce Pine, NC, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 9 AM, with packet pickup starting at 7:30 AM on Lower Street (163 Locust St) at the Pocket Park. Whether you're a seasoned runner or out for a scenic stroll, your participation supports a heartfelt mission:
All proceeds support the Town of Spruce Pine’s efforts to rebuild Riverside Park—a once-vibrant community space featuring a playground, splash pad, ball field, amphitheater, community garden, and riverside walking path that were all destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Our Mission Through This Race:
Remembering our community’s hardship
Celebrating the resilience and progress we’ve made
Encouraging hope and collective action for brighter days ahead
Join us for a meaningful 5K run (or walk), knowing each step contributes to restoring a beloved community space. Together, we can rebuild Riverside Park and nurture hope for our town’s future.
5k Course Map
Place
Spruce Pine, NC US 28777
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
About Run For The Hills 5k
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, unleashing torrential rain, powerful winds, and catastrophic flooding. In Mitchell County—particularly in Spruce Pine—this historic storm wrought havoc. The Toe River surged over thirty feet, inundating Lower Street and forcing businesses to close. The beloved Riverside Park, once a thriving community gathering space, was utterly destroyed—its playground, splash pad, baseball field, gardens, amphitheater, and scenic river trail all laid to waste. Although recovery efforts have begun, the park’s restoration remains a long journey ahead.
Amid the devastation, hope emerged. Local runner and Florida transplant, Birgit Smith, was moved to act. Inspired by her love for this mountain community and her passion for running, she envisioned a commemorative race on the storm’s anniversary—Run For The Hills 5K. This event isn’t just about logging miles; it’s about:
Remembering the hardship we endured
Celebrating our resilience and how far we’ve come
Encouraging our community to keep rebuilding, together
Join us in this meaningful run (or walk) to honor our past and support the future—raising funds to help the Town of Spruce Pine restore Riverside Park and reaffirm our shared hope.
Event Host
The Bridge Church is a vibrant, multi‑generational congregation nestled in the heart of downtown Spruce Pine, NC—and it’s also Birgit Smith’s home church. We’re honored to serve as the official host of Run For The Hills 5K and look forward to blessing our community through this meaningful event.
