Message from the Race Director

What an exciting finish line performance at the 19th Heart and Sole Women’s Five Miler on May 17. Liv Paxton from Charlotte, NC, blazed through the new course in 30 minutes and 18 seconds, with Victoria Hammersmith from Greenville, SC, a mere one second behind. It was a dramatic win for the revival of this beloved women’s only event in its new location in Forest Acres, SC.

The weather was warm and humid, and the energy was electric as nearly 700 women of all ages gathered to celebrate women and the power of a healthy lifestyle. In a moving moment at the opening ceremony, we released eight white doves to symbolize the rebirth of the event. We loved seeing lots of newcomers and cherished seeing the familiar faces of women who have faithfully followed the event since its beginning.

A shout out to presenting sponsor Lexington Medical Center, whose employees were out in record numbers volunteering and staffing the health and wellness expo. The city of Forest Acres graciously hosted us at its beautiful new Gills Creek Memorial Park, and WIS News 10 helped get the word out to women across the Midlands.

We’re grateful to Scoop of Heaven Ice Cream in Elgin, SC, for the custom-made strawberry sorbet, which offered a perfectly delicious way to cool off after the event. And Earth Fare and Bruegger’s Bagels kept our runners and walkers replenished with their generous donations of refreshments and water. Participants also enjoyed visiting with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the many local businesses at our expo that want to help women stay strong and healthy.  

We’re grateful to ERA Wilder Realty and the Run for God team from Riverland Hills Baptist Church for efficiently staffing our water stops. And to the American Heritage Girls ringing cowbells, Easy Does It Duo with Bob Michalski, Annika Slaby on violin, Martha’s Vault, Jacobi Gunter on drums, Cocky and Mason the Firefly for keeping everyone entertained. And we thank the dozens of course monitors who kept everyone on course and cheered on the women. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Keep your eyes out for the return of our event in 2026. We will announce the date soon. Until then, stay strong and healthy!

Jeanna Moffett
Race Director