In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the UltraSignup team want to take a moment to acknowledge the immense challenges these communities are facing. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by the storm—whether through personal loss, the disruption of daily life, or the destruction of homes and communities.
As runners, we often draw strength from our community, from pushing through challenges, and from supporting one another. Now, more than ever, it’s important to lean on that support. If you or anyone in our community needs assistance—whether it’s a helping hand, resources, or even just someone to talk to—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We have reached out to race directors in the region and have put together this list of how our running community can get involved in relief efforts to help those affected by the hurricane. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or just offering encouragement, we can make a difference together. If you know of additional ways we can help, please email news@ultrasignup.com and we will update the list accordingly.
Feeding Southwest Virginia is doing what they can to get food and clean water to the community, including hosting a Food & Water Drive to benefit the victims of Hurricane Helene.
Brandon shared with us that all of his events for the end of the year are postponed. Rescheduling is likely, but not a current priority.
Thirty percent of the bridges in WNC are gone, with mudslides and widespread disaster—it’s a once-in-a-millennium event. No trail assessments have been done yet; a long recovery is expected.
Brandon is focusing recovery efforts initially on the communities impacted and is hoping to sit down and plan more soon. Donations for equipment and manpower for trail work are needed. This effort is likely to start around November 1st.
Ways to help:
Brandon’s partner organization Camp Grier is currently working hard to restore power at their facility to open up camp as a disaster relief hub for the people in the greater Old Fort community. If you’d like to make a donation to help support this mission, please visit campgrier.org.
The community needs in-kind donations more than cash, including: hygiene items, baby products (diapers, formula); cleaning supplies (shovels, mops, paper towels, trash bags, etc.); canned food, can openers; paper plates, paper bowls, utensils, etc.
Support the United Cajun Navy who has been on the ground in North Carolina, bringing much-needed supplies to Helene survivors and assisting in search-and-rescue efforts. Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher said despite the devastation, the storm survivors are tough and resilient.
The Hellbender 100 is put on by the nonprofit Run828. They are helping funnel monetary donations back to the community. Eventually the funding will go towards work on the trails affected by the storm. You can contribute at www.run828foundation.org.
Miscellaneous Resources:
Fuel Goods, the inclusive leader in making sports nutrition accessible and approachable for all people and sustainable performance apparel maker Pressio, proudly announce the 828 Endurance Community, a collective relief effort for outdoor and endurance businesses in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. The two Asheville, NC-based brands created the first-of its-kind activation, “Together We Rise”, for the 828 Endurance Community to directly support their struggling neighbors in the wake of the ongoing disaster. The campaign aims to sell 1,000 custom-designed shirts to support local businesses that service the Western North Carolina endurance hub and beyond with 100% of proceeds going directly to those businesses impacted.
Charlotte, NC-based Around the Crown 10K has been on the ground coordinating supplies/fund drives in Charlotte since the days immediately following Helene.
They are taking volunteers at the Food City parking lot in Damascus. (Sent in from an UltraSignup community member, thank you!)
Donate to internationalmedicalcorps.org, they have put together this Situation Report on their response to Hurricane Helene. (Sent in from an UltraSignup community member, thank you!)
Donate to https://mercuryone.org/ (Sent in from an UltraSignup community member, thank you!)
From community member Logan Hunt: We are operating a logistics support group out of Moore County, NC at the Moore County Airport. We are conducting air and ground supply chain operations into western NC daily. Additionally, we are coordinating with local pilots for aerial delivery, extraction, and search and rescue. We have medical professionals rotating across western counties to heal those affected by the hurricane. Contact: loganrhunt@gmail.com
The church Kirk of Kildaire, located at 200 High Meadow Dr. in Cary, NC is collecting and sending items to Western NC. (Sent in from an UltraSignup community member, thank you!)
Community member Shannon located in Houston, TX, is available if anyone needs a sympathetic and encouraging ear or a warm, dry bed (note: we can consolidate so they can have a room all to themselves), and food. Contact: bestflutistshan@yahoo.com
I was really hoping that you would make a statement like this. For those of us who live in the Southeast, the trails of WNC are our home, and the devastation has been absolutely heartbreaking. I hurt for the people of the affected communities and am so thankful to have this list of resources so that I can pitch in. Please continue publishing updates from these amazing and dedicated RD’s!
I suggest hosting your own running community charity race
Entry is canned goods, iteams needed or simply a cash donation, I have done this on a much smaller scale to replenish my local food pantry, make up some fun finishing medals , awards. Doesn’t have to be a fancy event but one that is useful
Bravo. I’m doing the Old Fort Strong Endurance Fest and trying to get as many folks to donate to Camp Grier as I can: https://runsignup.com/goldyonthetrail
I was really hoping that you would make a statement like this. For those of us who live in the Southeast, the trails of WNC are our home, and the devastation has been absolutely heartbreaking. I hurt for the people of the affected communities and am so thankful to have this list of resources so that I can pitch in. Please continue publishing updates from these amazing and dedicated RD’s!
I suggest hosting your own running community charity race
Entry is canned goods, iteams needed or simply a cash donation, I have done this on a much smaller scale to replenish my local food pantry, make up some fun finishing medals , awards. Doesn’t have to be a fancy event but one that is useful
Bravo. I’m doing the Old Fort Strong Endurance Fest and trying to get as many folks to donate to Camp Grier as I can: https://runsignup.com/goldyonthetrail