Running healthcare students help restore iconic hiking trail

MARION, Va. — Future healthcare professionals earlier this year held a running event to help repair an iconic Southwest Virginia hiking trail hit hard by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Health sciences students at Emory & Henry University have donated $5,300 they raised to the Town of Damascus to support the restoration and reopening of the Virginia Creeper Trail. The Doctor of Physical Therapy students at E&H's School of Health Sciences in Marion have donated to the trail efforts. It suffered extensive damage during a Hurricane Helene-spawned tropical storm Sept. 27, 2024, that swept through the region last year, significantly disrupting the local economy and the trail. J.D. Vance has twice visited Damascus to see the devastation, first as a vice-presidential candidate, the second time as vice president. EVENT Students raised the money through the second annual DPT Race Fundraiser, a student-led 5K and Half-Marathon event May 31 that began in Abingdon on the Creeper Trail and brought together runners, volunteers and sponsors in a display of community spirit for a shared cause. "This event shows how our students are service-minded and community-oriented. We are thrilled to be able to support the restoration of the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is so important to the health, economy and well-being of our region," Dr. Lou Fincher, president of E&H, said in a news release. This year's race welcomed 106 participants, with 22 runners completing the Half-Marathon and 84 running the 5K. In the 5K, Joey Raines took first place, followed by Justin Felts and Patrick Daly. Among the women, Jullian Heard led the field, followed by Olivia DeBord and Emily Bodish, a faculty member in the Physician Assistant Program at Emory & Henry's School of Health Sciences. In the Half-Marathon, Kevin Jarvis won the men's division, with Jared Younger and Wyatte Pickett placing second and third. For the women, Alex Dodson finished first, followed by Megan Cummins and Abby Barnes. Sponsors included C&M Tire Sales, Clinch Valley Health, Mountain Valley Physical Therapy, Dominion Door & Hardware, City Assets, BA Group, Sodexo, Roger Allen State Farm Insurance, Christian Travel and Simple Rhythms Church. The school's Emory campus also supported the effort, providing first aid kits, water coolers and tents. The release said the DPT Race Fundraiser exemplifies Emory & Henry's commitment to hands-on learning, community service and rural health leadership. ABOUT E&H For more information about E&H's School of Health Sciences, visit go online to www.emoryhenry.edu/academics/school-health-sciences. Emory & Henry University, founded in 1836 at Emory & Henry College, is a regional comprehensive university committed to excellence in academics, service and leadership. Consistently ranked among the best Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, Emory & Henry seeks to offer a transformative education, the release said. The university also seeks to foster a close-knit, welcoming community and provides students with opportunities to grow intellectually, professionally and personally. To learn more, go online to emoryhenry.edu.