An Owen High School student is taking steps to make a difference in the community, and she invites you to join her.
Junior Jordan Robertson of the Owen Cross Country team is leading the way in organizing the 2025 Warhorse Gallop 5K and Pony Trot. The event, a fundraiser for Owen High School and the nearby Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families, returns to the Swannanoa Valley Saturday, May 31. Robertson planned the first Gallop last year to help with needs in the community. As the area continues recovering from Hurricane Helene, she felt it was more important than ever to make this an annual event.
“In the past, the Owen Cross Country team traveled to Veterans Park and Owen Park for practices,” she explained. “In the wake of Helene, these parks were both significantly damaged and can no longer be used for our practices. Our team will need additional funds to be able to travel to areas that are safe to run and train in. Since the Warhorse Gallop 5K and Pony Trot aligns well with the Cross Country program and this new need, our team was excited to serve as the host for this year’s event.”
The 5K starts at 9 a.m., with a registration fee of $25. There’s a course for runners, and a “walk and talk” route for those participating at a more relaxed pace. Parents can sign up children under 10 for the 1K Pony Trot around the track, which starts at 10 a.m.
“We hope that this event will serve as a way to bring runners, walkers, and spectators of all ages together,” Jordan explained. “This has been a hard year, but together we are rebuilding and we hope that this event can serve as another step in this process. This event also exemplifies our cross country team and our shared love for running. Groups from the elementary and middle schools have already signed up for this event, and we really hope that through their glimpse into Owen High School running at this event, they will be encouraged to join the running program in the future.”
While her academic and athletic commitments have kept Jordan on her toes, she’s working hard to build on the success of the inaugural event with the support of the Owen community.
“This event would not have been possible without constant support from Owen High administration, Owen Cross Country coaches, team members, and volunteers from the community. The Swannanoa and Black Mountain community came together like never before after Hurricane Helene, and I have seen this continual support time and time again from community volunteers to small businesses through their willingness to give.”
Click here for more details and to sign up for this year’s Warhose Gallop and Pony Trot.
