The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and communities across the mountains are gearing up for one of West Virginia’s favorite fall traditions. On September 27, the annual Run For It! event will bring people together across the state and beyond for more than just a race. What began in 1989 as a small 5K called the Tour of Davis, held during the Alpine/Leaf Peepers Festival, has grown into a multi-county fundraising powerhouse through the Tucker Community Foundation.

Originally attracting around 30 to 50 runners, the race was reimagined in 2007 when Diane Hinkle, then Development Director for the Foundation, helped transform it into a broader, more inclusive event. With her vision, the Foundation added a 2K walk alongside the 5K Run, giving participants of all ages and abilities a way to get involved.

“It’s a chance for nonprofits to network, gain critical funding, and see the direct impact of their efforts in the community,” says Angie Pase, Tucker Community Foundation Development Director and Run For It! Event Coordinator. “And for participants, it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

A Race That Gives Back

Run For It! channels its fundraising directly to nonprofits across the Foundation’s 10-county service area, with the Foundation itself not benefiting from the event. These counties include Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Pocahontas, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur in West Virginia, and Garrett County, Maryland.

Local nonprofits form teams, and participants raise funds from April through race day in late September. All money raised stays with the nonprofits, with additional awards and half of registration fees returned to the organizations.

The event also celebrates creativity and spirit. Awards are not just for the fastest finishers. Prizes are given for best team fundraising, best costume, best sign, or the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. All prize money goes back to the nonprofits those teams or individuals support.

“It’s not only a fun, amazing fundraising day, it’s a great way for these nonprofits to network,” says Pase. “It can be hard for them to get the funds they need for the critical services they provide. And it’s no-strings-attached. The only requirement is that the money be used in the community they represent.”

With virtual participation, anyone anywhere can join the fun, walk or run on their own, and still support the nonprofit of their choice.

The Foundation’s Role

The Tucker Community Foundation contributes $16,000 upfront for the awards purse and spends the year seeking additional funding. Longtime partners like the Bernard McDonough Foundation, as well as corporate sponsors Dominion Energy, Hope Gas, and Metikki Coal, county commissions for each of the ten counties served, and local businesses all help sustain the effort.

Currently, the Foundation’s grant cycle is open through September 19, with information available on their website. Community members are also encouraged to call or stop by the office to learn more.

“The more outreach we have, the more awareness we can promote through our counties and let folks know what these nonprofits are doing,” Pase explains. “Run For It! shines a light on these charities and nonprofits and their work. It’s a tireless effort and they do amazing work. They should be rewarded for it, and this is a great way for us to do that for them.”

Spotlight on Pocahontas County

 Teams from Pocahontas County have consistently shown strong support for Run For It! Last year, seven groups participated, including the AMMAR Hounds, Art in Green Bank, Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, Linwood Daycare, NPCCA, Inc., Pocahontas County Senior Citizens, and Team WV Caring Hospice.

This year, a new team – Forever Wild Freestyle – joins the tradition of enthusiastic local involvement. Some teams participate virtually due to distance or due to other circumstances, proving that participation at any level makes a big impact.

“Even new teams are often surprised by how much they can raise for their communities,” Pase says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see participants come together and give back, whether they’re walking the 2K, running the 5K, or participating virtually from afar.”

Nonprofits from all 10 counties benefit from these fundraising efforts, with returning teams and first-time participants alike gaining hands-on experience supporting causes that matter in their own backyards.

Community Impact

Since 2007, Run For It! has raised over $3.2 million for local nonprofits, a testament to the dedication of participants, volunteers, and sponsors. Last year alone, over 1,400 participants, both in-person and virtual, helped raise more than $300,000 for 79 nonprofits.

Join the Fun

Run For It! is not just about fundraising. It’s about community, healthy activities, and celebrating the fall season. Participants and spectators alike enjoy crisp mountain air, colorful leaves, and the festive energy of the Leaf Peepers Festival.

Registration deadlines:

• Teams: August 31
• Individual participants: September 21 (with in-person registration available the day before and morning of the race)

For more information, to register a team, or to support a nonprofit:

• Race: runsignup.com/race/wv/davis/runforit
• Tucker Community Foundation: tuckerfoundationwv.org
• Phone: 304-478-2930

Donations from both individuals and corporate sponsors are welcome. Whether you’re walking, running, cheering from the sidelines, or participating virtually from anywhere, Run For It! is a day of fun, fitness, and giving back. It’s a celebration of community spirit throughout West Virginia, in Pocahontas County, and beyond.

Join the race, join the movement, and see the impact your steps can make.