A Race to Remember: Decherd Native Honored with 5K Last Saturday
- Terri Carter
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
It was a race fueled by legacy, friendship, and heart last Saturday morning as runners filled the starting line at Babe Ruth Fields for the first-ever Run for Joe 5K. The event was held in memory of Decherd native Joe Bach, who passed away in 2024, and was organized by a close-knit group of friends who had played soccer with him during their time at Franklin County High School. Although many of them now live in different corners of the country, their bond has endured—and each made the journey back to Franklin County to honor Bach in the place where their friendship began.
All skill and age levels were welcome to join in the race, and the top three runners in both the male and female categories received awards. Taking first place for the male category was Jacob Carrigan with a run time of 17:03. Second place was awarded to Jayden Smith with a run time of 17:44 and third place in the male category was awarded to Austin Heath with a run time of 19:50.
First place for the female category was awarded to Billie Rose Johnson with a run time of 23:20. Second place was awarded to Lauren Manna with a run time of 25:58 and third place winner for the female category was Helen Woodall with a run time of 27:32.
In all, ninety people registered for the event, which featured not only the 5K but also a one mile run and a virtual race option for those participating from afar. Roughly 80 runners showed up in person, bringing energy and emotion to the track at Babe Ruth Fields. Proceeds from the event were donated to The V Foundation—a national organization dedicated to cancer research—in honor of Joe Bach and the battle he bravely fought. Altogether, the race raised $2,000 to support the foundation’s mission and contribute to the search for a cure.
“Joe Bach was my best friend since I was five years old.”, stated event organizer Heath Smith. “We grew up in Decherd and we all left after high school to go to college. Our friend group, all from Franklin County but all across the country at this point, went to his funeral and we talked about wanting to do something in his memory and making sure we all still get together.”
“We always enjoyed running together so we decided to put together the 5K in memory of Joe (Bach) to keep his memory alive and to provide some fellowship and have people from this area come back to this area so we can remember where we are from.”
Smith shared that the group of friends had all played soccer together during their high school years in Franklin County. Though life had taken them in different directions across the country, their friendship remained strong, anchored by shared memories and a love for running. Over the years, they’ve continued to gather for fellowship and races, and the Run for Joe 5K was a natural extension of that bond. Now, the group hopes to make the event an annual tradition, and they’ve officially established a nonprofit—aptly named Run for Joe—to ensure that Bach’s legacy lives on through community, connection, and charitable impact.
A post-race party was held after the runners finished that included snacks, drinks, music, and a bouncy house for the children that were attending and participating. Sponsors for the event included DBC, Davis, Kessler, and Davis, Asheville Sport and Social, Clark, Knies, and Crenshaw, PLLC, Hangers Flooring LLC, Reliable Rental of Franklin County LLC, 2nd Base Screen Printing, Resolution Promotions, Joey Russ Photography, City of Decherd, and Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
Though Joe Bach was not there in body, his spirit was present in every step taken, every shared laugh, and every heartfelt embrace. The track, the morning air, and the energy of the crowd were filled with his memory—a legacy honored not with silence, but with movement, connection, and celebration. Friends and families ran not just for the cause, but for the cherished moments they shared with Joe, proving that the celebration of life continues in the bonds of friendship and the strength of community.
