Inaugural Warpony Resiliency Run 5K celebrates Black Mountain Schools

Runners of all ages race to mark important anniversary for local students

Photos by Rey Castillo
The Valley Echo
October 25, 2025

Exactly one year after returning to the hallways of Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools from a devastating natural disaster forced campuses throughout Buncombe County to remain closed for nearly a month, 131 runners marked the occasion with a new event.

The inaugural Warpony Resiliency Run 5K, organized by faculty and members of the Black Mountain Schools PTO and hosted, Oct. 25, brought supporters of all ages to the sidewalks and trails near the center of town.

The event, founded by Marcia Tucci, who teaches academically gifted programs at both schools and coaches the BMP Pony Pacers afterschool running club, supports other communities struggling in the aftermath of natural disasters. The remainder of the proceeds will support the Pony Pacers and the BME Girls on the Run program.

The race began and ended on the field east of BMP, as runners traversed the Village Way greenway to BME. The route looped west along U.S. 70, before winding through residential neighborhoods north of the schools.

BMP Principal Kelly Owen awarded medals to all finishers, while BME Principal Billy Honey cycled the route to lead the pack, before sweeping the field. Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, who participated in the run, finished in the top five, while the first-year event attracted competitors from as far away as Spruce Pine and Burnsville.

Photos from the inaugural Warpony Resiliency Run 5K can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page. All images are courtesy of Rey Castillo, or Rey Castillo Photography.