The Out of the Ashes 5k was born out of loss, but in time, has become a source of hope for both the founding family and the surrounding community of bereaved families. In the summer of 2023, we will begin recieving applications for women and families to have their medical expenses associated with pregnancy loss, infant loss and infertility discovery covered by our grant program.
The Out of the Ashes 5k was born out of loss, but in time, has become a source of hope for both the founding family and the surrounding community of bereaved families. In the summer of 2023, we will begin recieving applications for women and families to have their medical expenses associated with pregnancy loss, infant loss and infertility discovery covered by our grant program.
On October 23, 2019, my husband and I gave birth to our stillborn daughter, Hannah. She had died in the womb 2 days before at 29 weeks gestation. I only knew of two people – in my 31 years — who had experienced this before. Why did I only know two? Is it because this never happens?? No. The sad reality is that this happens every day. But those two sets of parents had shared their story, and because of them, in those moments before giving birth, I felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. Another mom had done this before and lived to tell the story.
Since our loss, I have watched many untold stories come into the light, and with them, great power to impact the world around them. We hope Hannah’s story will do the same for another grieving family out there who is feeling the weight of this grief.
1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. 1 in 160 end in stillbirth. And 1 in 8 couples are walking the long and winding road of infertility. These numbers are staggering, and these women and families are in our midst – in our places of work, our neighborhoods, churches and families. Every life born into this world is an absolute miracle, yet somewhere along the way, there has been an isolating silence surrounding the grief that comes with these all-too-common realities.
Women are often alone to face the difficult questions and doubts that are inevitable – “Is there something wrong with me? With my body? Where did I mess it all up? I should have known! People have babies every day, so why are my arms empty?” Men are often left to their own conflicting thoughts, feeling anxious and alone. “What could I have done? What can I do now? How can I help her while I grieve this loss? How do I do I move us forward?”
1 in 8 women
1 in 4 women
1 in 160 women
We have learned that beauty will rise out of the ashes as we allow their significant lives – no matter how short – to have an eternal impact. God’s good news in Isaiah has become the vision of this ministry – “…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). Our mission at Out of the Ashes 5k, Inc. is to honor bereaved women and families, to provide hope through the Gospel of Christ and to give practical help in the way of financial coverage for associated medical expenses.
Each year, our hope is that this race will be a place to remember and acknowledge every woman who longs to be a mother and every life gone too soon. Our race consists of both a competitive 5k run or an interactive 3k walk. The interactive element has markers every kilometer representing countless negative pregnancy tests, miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss.
Competitive 5k
The route is mostly flat through a residential neighborhood. Roads will not be closed, so please be cognizant of driveways and neighborhood traffic. We will have a security vehicle at the front leading the runners. The route is 2 loops, with the second slightly shorter than the first. Please look for way-finding signs and volunteers to help direct you throughout the route. Awards will be given to top 3 finishers in each age category.
Interactive walk
Along the route – at the different markers – you will see tables with candles and signs representing the stage of pregnancy. If you are walking in memory of a child gone too soon or a couple who longs to be parents – write the family name or the child’s name on a lantern and light a candle in his/her memory. We will release the lanterns at the end of the night. Many parents grieve these various losses in isolation, unsure of how to feel and unaware of shared experiences in their community. Our hope is that this race will be a tangible picture of those affected by this type of loss.
If you’re local to the area or coming into town the night before, we will have a race expo on Friday evening at a local brewery across the street from the race location. Come out, grab your packet, drink a beer and hang out with friends. We will have some sponsors there and there will also be in-person registration for the race.
Friday, October 20
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Edge City Brewery
6209 Old Post Rd Suite 109, Charlotte, NC 28212
You may also pick up your packets on race day beginning at 4:30 p.m. at East City Church.
October 21, 2023
6:30 p.m. Race Start
This is the weekend of Hannah’s 4th birthday.
East City Church
6850 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212
East Mecklenburg High School has given us permission to park in the rows closest to the church. The race will begin and end in the church parking lot behind the church. Bathrooms are accessible inside the church.
Registration will open June 21, 2023.
Entry fees:
$40 before Sept. 1
$45 before Oct. 16
$50 race week / race day
Children under 10 may participate for free in the 3k interactive event.
$40 for the virtual race component
We will have a 5k competitive race, a 3k interactive walk, and a virtual option for anyone who cannot attend the race but would still like to participate and receive a t-shirt and race packet. All ages and levels welcome!
At the conclusion of the race, we will recognize top 3 finishers, male and female, in each age category for the competitive 5k and virtual run. We will also hear from a few speakers about their personal experience with pregnancy loss, early infant loss, and infertility. We hope this will be a sweet time to come together as a community and support each other as we remember the significant lives of those we’ve lost. We encourage all participants to stay for this part of the event. We will also stream it live on Facebook for virtual runners. This year, we will also have a silent auction, put together by the Charlotte community. Participants and their families will be able to participate both in person and virtually.
The route will begin and end at East City Church, and weave throughout the McClintock Woods neighborhood. Racers will not go on any major roads. Neighborhood roads will not be closed, so please be cautious of residential traffic.
Registration will open June 21, 2023.
If you own a business, and would like to partner with us through corporate sponsorship, we have a place for you! Your sponsorship funds both our race and our grant program. We have sponsorships of all levels.
Proceeds from this event will go to Caleb Ministries — a counseling and support organization for families who have experienced pregnancy and early infant loss.
$1,000 will be donated to Out of the Ashes, Inc. to cover expenses of our annual Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift Program. The rest will go directly to Caleb Ministries.
