Running for Elsie's Heart
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
- Location
- Hayesville, NC
- 1056 chatuge dam rd, Chatuge Dam Trail, 28904
- Featured distance
- 3.1 Miles
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Run a 5K along the Chatuge Dam Trail to support Elsie Dawn West and her family through a challenging time.
- For a Cause
For a CauseWho it's for
- For a Cause
For a CauseGreat for: cause-driven runners
Join the community in Hayesville, NC, for a 3.1-mile run dedicated to supporting Elsie Dawn West and her family. Elsie, the newest addition to the West family, is facing significant health challenges due to congenital heart defects, requiring multiple surgeries. This event aims to help alleviate the financial strain on her parents, allowing them to focus fully on Elsie's care. Your participation offers a tangible way to show support and contribute to their journey.
What to expect
- Run a 3.1-mile course along the Chatuge Dam Trail.
- Receive a complimentary t-shirt upon finishing.
- Enjoy free food and beverages at the pavilion area after your run.
Standout details
- Supports Elsie Dawn West and her family
- All proceeds directly benefit the family
- Includes a free t-shirt
- Post-race food and beverages
Perks & features
- Food & Drink
Food & DrinkFrom the public listing — confirm on the official site.
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
The course
- Hilly
- Timed race
Vibe Check
Easygoing
Easygoing5K distance, hilly area, typically mild weather
Based on typical seasonal and area patterns — not a course map or official forecast.
From the organizer
Join us on April 11, 2026 at 10:00 am to run a 5K for Elsie Dawn West, the newest addition to the West family. Parents are Colton & Caitlyn West, of Hiawassee GA. Elsie also has an older brother, Cash, just shy of 2 years old.
This race will begin at the pavilion once entering the Clay County Park Campground. The race will go from there along the Chatuge Dam Trail and back.
Elsie is currently in the cardiac center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Shortly after being home from the hospital from birth, Elsie ended up having to go to ICU.
In summary, Elsie as congenital heart defects. Elsie is going to be going down a "single ventricle pathway" with a grand total of 3 heart surgeries. We know this is overwhelmingly hard for Elsie, her parents, brother, and immediate family members.
We have full faith in God for total healing & normal life for Elsie, but she does have a long road ahead. Help us show our support by lessening the financial burden this lays on the parents so they can fully focus on Elsie.
Registration is $35. This will provide you entry into the race, a free t-shirt at the end, and even some free food and beverages at the pavilion area. All proceeds go to the West family as they are walking in the scariest season of life and need all the support from our community, family, and friends they can get. Most importantly, we have full faith in God's healing and comfort.
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