Nearly 900 runners raise $35,000 for YMCA e-learning academies

Published 10:11 am Monday, February 8, 2021

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WINSTON-SALEM — Despite for the first time in nearly four decades not having runners lined up in the historic West End Neighborhood on the first Saturday in December, 897 runners supported the YMCA’s first Virtual Mistletoe Run by raising $35,000 for the Y’s e-learning academies.

“Funds for these academies will not only help students excel academically when they’re out of their school building due to the ongoing pandemic, but it helps students develop their social and emotional skills, too,” said Kim McClure, vice president of youth development, sports and aquatics for the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.

Runners from all over the Winston-Salem area, North Carolina and even several other states joined the 37th Annual YMCA Mistletoe Run — presented by Bell, Davis & Pitt — from Dec. 5-13, 2020.

Those who ran — or walked — either the half marathon, 5K or 1-mile fun run were able to do so on their own time in their neighborhood, on greenways, at a local track or even on a treadmill. Many runners even stuck to the traditional Mistletoe routes.

“We cannot thank our runners and event sponsors enough for your continued support of the Y and the communities we serve. You’ve made this possible for the 37th year — even in a year of so much uncertainty and change,” said Stan Law, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.

Sponsors for the 37th Annual Mistletoe Run include: