Following Hurricane Helene, the City of Asheville rebranded its Half-Marathon and Marathon to symbolize resilience and community recovery. The event’s website featured the inspiring tagline, "This is our comeback story." On March 15, 2025, sixteen runners representing thirteen programs nationwide gathered early to participate in the half-marathon. Participants captured before-and-after photos and enjoyed post-race refreshments and activities in Asheville, supporting local businesses. For many first-time half-marathon runners, the experience was deeply meaningful.
On the evening of March 14, 2025, Making Whole, Red Mountain Sedona, Red Cedar Transitions, and Lilley Consulting co-hosted a pre-race dinner, welcoming local residents and visitors who traveled to Asheville for the event. The evening was marked by thoughtful conversation and an uplifting atmosphere. The dinner and the race struck a harmonious balance between fun, wellness, and health, specifically tailored for mental health and addiction professionals, while also honoring the ongoing processes of loss, grief, and recovery within the Western North Carolina community.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and there has been significant interest in organizing future races in different locations. The next race location is currently under consideration, and we are exploring the potential to expand the event to include 5K and 10K options for participants seeking shorter distances. Regardless of race distance, participants will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant, scenic beauty of the host location, all while connecting with other professionals in a relaxed and informal setting.
To further support participants, an inclusive training program will be offered, designed to accommodate individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. The program will include group communication channels, such as text messages, emails, and Strava, to promote connection and accountability. Whether seasoned runners or first-time participants, all are encouraged to join.
Joanna Lilley of Lilley Consulting stated, “The primary goal is to foster a healthier, more connected community, while emphasizing the importance of supporting both official and unofficial initiatives that positively impact all involved. Running isn't always fun, yet there's something special about running with a group of friends! I'd do this again in a heartbeat.”
Future races will continue to serve as a platform for building community spirit and camaraderie. Those interested in participating in the next race are encouraged to contact Joanna at joanna@lilleyconsulting.com.
About Lilley Consulting:
Since 2016, Lilley Consulting has been helping young adults (18+) find mental health, substance use, and wellness resources. Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel in college or aren’t thriving in adulthood. She also hosts the Success is Subjective podcast, which can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.