Each year, Partners Aligned Toward Health organizes the Burnsville Fit Families (BFF) 5K with the goal of uniting our community through healthy activity. The 14th Annual Burnsville Fit Families 5K held on Saturday, April 12th was a great success! Despite the snowy weather, the turnout this year exceeded the organizer’s expectations with 197 runners and walkers crossing the finish line.
Developing healthy habits at a young age is a great way to make them stick. That’s why youth under the age of 18 run for free and 103 kids were able to participate this year! Thanks to the generous sponsors of this event, helping to ensure all youth could once again participate at no cost.
The race would not have been a success without the many sponsors who provided financial and in-kind support, and the volunteers and partners who came together to manage logistics. In particular, PATH would like to thank the title sponsor, Mountain Community Health Partnership, who has been a valuable partner and consistent supporter of community health initiatives in their service area.
A huge thank you goes to Yancey Emergency Services, Brandon Price, Rory Ledford and Jeff Howell, the Burnsville Police Department and Chief Brian Buchanan, the Burnsville Fire Department and Niles Howell, Yancey Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Hilliard and Major Higgins, Heritage EMS and Kristy Bryant, our community paramedic Evan Carroll, Yancey Rescue Squad and Anthony McCourry and all of the volunteer course marshals who helped to keep runners safe on the race course. Thanks again to First Baptist Church of Burnsville who graciously provided access to their Fellowship Hall and the Town of Burnsville and Yancey County Government for allowing PATH to take over the Town Square for the day!
Thank you to several groups of volunteers, including Parkway Playhouse, Dimensions Studio, Mountain Heritage High School JROTC, and others who staffed water stations to keep the runners hydrated, served post-race snacks and cheered on runners.
Congratulations to the following top finishers: Zander Fields of Fletcher, NC (Top Overall Male Finisher), Emily Chappelear of Burnsville, NC (Top Overall Female Finisher), and Molly O’Donnell and Maggie (First Stroller Across the Finish Line)! Monkey Business Toy Shop/Something Special Gift Shop and Jus’ Running generously donated prizes for these winners.
Each person who tackled the course is a winner in PATH’s eyes!
To learn more, support Partners Aligned Towards Health’s work, or get involved as a volunteer, contact PATH staff at (828) 682-7899, info@pathwnc.org, or visit www.pathwnc.org.
