Goal of race is to put lives back on track

Rutherford County's first half marathon is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Spindale.

The Back on Track Half Marathon and 2-Mile Run for Recovery/Walk for Awareness is being presented by Run Against Addiction. According to Run Against Addiction Founder Angela Sanford, the race isn't just an ordinary race. Every step, she said, has a purpose.

"We chose to have this race, which is a race to fight addiction, on the rail trail for an important reason," Sanford explained. "The railroad served as a line of communication and a source of income for those in our small towns. But with the decline of textiles, the tracks were no longer needed and soon became overgrown."

All it took, she continued, was someone having a vision to repurpose the tracks.

"Sometimes all it takes is something being removed to see the beauty of it," she said. "That's how we see lives .... when you are in the process of someone going through addiction, it can almost look hopeless. There is always hope."

Sandford founded Run Against Addiction based on her experience with her daughter, Ayla, who was addicted to methamphetamine. The organization works to help others who are fighting addiction. The organization's first race event, a 5K, was held in May 2014.

"Two weeks after that we began planning for the half marathon," Sanford said.

The racing events help to raise money for The House of Refuge, which will provide an alternative to outpatient drug and rehabilitation treatment for those suffering addiction.

"We are now incorporated and have our 501(c)3 status," Sanford explained. "It will be a sober living center. We will start with females first, offering them a safe place to live while assisting them with their probation and treatment."

Sanford currently mentors women in jail, and recalled one who was coming up for trial. "I told her 'I can't get you out of this, I can pray for you ... but what else would you like me to do?' She told me 'Follow through.'"

The House of Refuge is a way to follow through, Sanford said. Counseling and mentoring will be offered to those who stay there, and will provide them with learning experiences to get them ready to again reenter society on their feet.

"We plan to give them a 'toolbox' that will get them through the rest of their lives," she explained. "Setting them up for success - that's the whole key."

Construction on the House of Refuge hasn't begun, but Sanford said she knows that will come at the right time. "I'm praying for land," she said. In time, a similar facility is planned to help men.

"I believe there is a great revival coming," she added.

Those who wish to participate on Oct. 10 can register in advance by visiting runagainstaddiction.com; registration is $65 for the Back on Track half marathon and $20 for the 2K Run for Recover/Walk for Awareness. Walk up registrations will also be taken the day of the event. Educational booths with community organizations will be present at the event as well, and half of the proceeds from the race will be shared with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program.

For more information on House of Refuge or Run Against Addiction, visit runagainstaddiction.com.