More than 100 participants gathered for the inaugural Stronger Than The Storm 5K Fun Run on September 26, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. The event aimed to honor the resilience of Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene while raising funds for first-responder mental health services.
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Organizers reported that the event raised several thousand dollars through registration fees, donations, and sponsorships for the First Responder Mental Health Treatment Fund, which provides crucial mental health treatment services for first responders in the region.
Captain Joe Silberman of the Asheville Police Department was the first to complete the race. The turnout surpassed organizers' expectations, demonstrating strong community support for both first responders and ongoing recovery efforts related to Helene.
Plans for the second annual Stronger Than The Storm 5K are already in motion, with the event scheduled for September 25, 2027. Organizers hope to increase both participation and funds raised in the upcoming year.