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Once Upon a Race: A Fantastical 5K — A Storybook Success!


On Saturday, August 23, 2025, our community came together for a morning filled with magic, adventure, and generosity at Once Upon a Race: A Fantastical 5K! Thanks to the incredible support of our runners, sponsors, volunteers, and donors, we raised more than $8,000 to support adult literacy across the New River Valley!


From the Wizarding World to the Yellow Brick Road, from Middle Earth Meadow to Camp Half-Blood, and through the Fairy Tale Forest, participants embraced the fun and fantasy of our course. Families, friends, and even a few magical creatures joined in to run, walk, and cheer—and every step helped write a brighter chapter for adults learning English, preparing for their GED, and building new skills for work and life.



Congratulations to our winners!

  • Costume contest winners:

    • Adult:

    • Youth:

    • Magical Creatures:

  • Overall race winners:

    • Logan Witcher, 20:55.14

    • Veronica Barajas, 23:26.03

    • Eli Brown, 1:07:56.26

  • Male 3-5: Hugh Jacques, 40:24.29

  • Female 3-5: Paisley Rosson, 1:02:32.82

  • Male 6-9: Ian Woolwine, 27:14.45

  • Female 6-9: Ella Reagan, 36:47.57

  • Male 10-12: Alex Witcher, 25:13.12

  • Female 10-12: Mili Hersch, 30:08.69

  • Male 13-15: Jace Vandergrift, 23:40.95

  • Female 13-15: Clara Close, 27:04.29

  • Male 16-19: Everett Vandergrift, 23:41.73

  • Male 20-29: Dylan Henderson, 1:05:56.21

  • Female 20-29: Amanda Newbury, 24:13.66

  • Male 30-39: Lucas Epperly, 23:13.44

  • Female 30-39: Caitlin Bean, 25:52.22

  • Male 40-49: Jason Simmons, 25:16.02

  • Female 40-49: Emily Close, 25:27.80

  • Male 50-59: Jonathan Watkinson, 24:34.09

  • Female 50-59: Kim Kitts, 27:07.61

  • Male 60-69: Randy Burrier, 27:19.96

  • Female 60-69: Yolonda Burrier, 47:47.06

  • Male 70 and older: Keith Hanks, 1:05:58.31



A Raffle Fit for a Fairy Tale

The magic isn’t over yet! Our "Once Upon a Raffle" is still live, and you won’t want to miss the treasures in store. Prizes include:

  • High-value LEGO sets

  • Handmade quilts

  • A free month of fitness

  • A painting by a local artist

  • And more enchanting items!

Every raffle ticket purchased continues the impact of this event, helping us expand literacy programs and empower more learners in our community. Winners will be selected on September 2, 2025.



Thank You for Believing in Our Story

Events like this remind us of the power of community—when we come together, we make a difference that lasts far beyond race day. Thank you to everyone who ran, volunteered, donated, sponsored, or cheered from the sidelines. You’ve helped us turn the page to an even brighter future.



 
 
 

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