'In this together:' Oakwood24 run/walk raises money for Raleigh addiction recovery program

Volunteers will walk or run for up to 24 hours this weekend at Historic Oakwood Cemetery to raise money for Healing Transitions.

The idea for the event came from Jon Frey, a graduate of Healing Transitions' peer-based addiction recovery program.

"I spent almost a year there, completely free, (and it) changed the trajectory of my life so it's a way that I give back," Frey said.

To date, the Oakwood24 has raised over $500,000 six years, and organizers hope to add another $250,000 this year. Proceeds support the Healing Transitions mission – peer-based recovery from alcoholism and other drug addictions, available to anyone who might struggle with the cost of a traditional rehabilitation facility.

The run/walk features 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour timed challenges as well as a relay option.

Among the participants is Chandler Huggins, who ran about 30 miles over six hours Friday.

"I'm feeling great. It's a perfect day for supporting Healing Transitions," he said.

Frey, an ultra-marathoner who has run events of 110 miles and more, said running helped him in his recovery.

"When I first got sober, it was a way to get rid of excess energy, and then I started running with other people in recovery so it's been a very therapeutic thing for me," he said.

Participants will run, walk and even just join the celebration of hope.

"Everyone out here is being transparent, sharing their stories, sharing hope," Frey said. "I'm just out here to show people that anybody can get sober. It's scary for a lot of people, so I'm just out here to be an example for people."

The event began Friday, Dec. 22, at 9 a.m. and runs until 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23.

Maggie Kane, executive director of Raleigh's pay-what-you-can cafe, A Place at the Table, said, "Addiction touches all of us. We all have a friend, family, someone in our life, our ourselves. Being out here it just breaks down walls, we're all in this together, we're walking , we're running."

You can learn more about how to join the event or donate to the cause on the Oakwood24 website.