On Saturday, May 18, eighteen people got out and hiked 20 miles in the rain and mud on the Appalachian Trail to raise funds for Micah’s Backpack, the Refugee Welcome Network, and other HARC programs. The group raised more than $20,000 through registrations, fundraising and a 2-1 match from the God’s Grace Fund! Becky Fritts was the top fundraising individual with $2,450, and her team Otterbein UMC – Micah’s BP was the top fundraising team.
Though the weather was bleak most of the day, participants showed great joyful spirits full tenacity as they hiked in Virginia from Snicker’s gap north to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, with most continuing onto the bridge over the Maryland line. Everyone completed at least 20 miles safely, taking from 10.5-11.5 hours to finish. In spite of the rain and length it was a great day of personal achievement, meeting new people or catching up with old friends, and raising money for a good cause. The group was grateful to have an Afghan refugee, Mahboobullah, hiking with them, an energetic and friendly young man new to the U.S. last month.
Thanks so much to HARC’s support team (Ed Poling, Kyle Powderly, Beth Johnston, Sue Wert, Bill Pike) for keeping the hikers fed and transporting them to the start and back to their vehicles! Thanks also to Girls, Inc. for loaning us two buses for transportation.
Donations to Challenge Hikers are still welcome and can be made HERE.
See the list of Challenge Hike finishers on our Challenge Hike Wall of Fame.
This is Part 1 of the 12th Annual HARC Hike. Learn more here on how you can participate in the main HARC Hike on June 8, with 4K, 10K and half marathon options.
