When I sent Charity these thirteen questions, I wanted to interview her for my blog, but I also wanted to find out information to nominate her for the Tazewell High School Hall of Fame because I just felt like, if anyone should be inducted to that body, she definitely qualified. I’m happy to announce she will be inducted later this year! It’s a long interview, and I could have cut it, but I felt like there were things here people need to know. Not just about Charity, but about where we’re from, about the importance of volunteering, cool stuff about the 80s Cruise, but most importantly, lots of ways to get involved with some great projects. I hope you enjoy the interview and feel led to get involved with a volunteer opportunity on your own. When you sign up, tell them you’re doing it for Charity. (I love that her name even reflects her attitude and approach to life!)
CAP: Tell me a little bit about your running background. I know you were a prolific athlete in high school. How has that shaped the many running charities you’re still involved with?
Charity Hurst: Running has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories of running goes back to the 5th grade at Field Elementary School in Spokane, Washington. Boys and girls competed together, and during one track event, I won first place and earned a plaque on the school wall that remained there for many years. Even then, I discovered the excitement of competition and the confidence that comes from pushing yourself beyond what you think you can do.
When I was in middle school, my family moved to Tazewell, Virginia, where I later competed in track during my junior and senior years at Tazewell High School. I originally ran shorter distances like 400 yards and 800 yards and even broke the school record in the 800 during my junior year — a record that stood for a couple of years before it was broken. I tried hurdles a few times too, but after falling during one race, my coach quickly decided that hurdles were no longer my event.
One day, while the entire track team was running together, teammate Mitzie Johnson suggested to Coach that I should try the mile and two-mile races. I thought she was crazy. Long-distance running sounded miserable to me at the time. That all changed in Narrows, Virginia, during my very first two-mile race. I was competing against a runner everyone said was one of the best in the state. I honestly had no idea what I was doing and thought running eight laps around a track was incredibly boring. I spent the first seven laps casually talking to the girl beside me. Then, with about 200 yards left, I sprinted past her and won the race. I expected Coach to be thrilled. Instead, he was furious. He told me I better never talk to anyone during a race again.
That race changed everything. I went on to break the school records at Tazewell High School in both the mile and two-mile. Those records stood for nearly 40 years before being broken by Lauren Keen in 2024 and 2025. Seeing another young athlete accomplish that was incredibly special because records are meant to inspire the next generation.
After high school, I married and moved to Myrtle Beach. When I eventually returned home and went back to college, I also returned to running. I entered every race I could find because I simply loved it. During the Tazewell Fourth of July race, the cross-country coach from Bluefield State University approached me. When he learned I was attending school there, he immediately offered me a scholarship. I became the first — and only — woman on Bluefield State’s first cross-country team. I absolutely loved competing and ran there for two years.
My passion for running eventually led me into coaching. I coached track and cross-
country at Graham High School for several years, then served as the cross-country coach at Bluefield State University for two years and later had the opportunity to coach at Bluefield University, where I also founded the school’s cross-country program and coached for three-four years. Building a program from the ground up was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It allowed me to pour back into young athletes the same encouragement, discipline, and confidence that so many coaches and mentors had given to me over the years.
As the years went on, running became more than competition. It became part of who I was. Local runners like Robbie Glen from Burkes Garden encouraged and inspired me, while George Brown became an important mentor, pushing me to compete in area 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, and eventually marathons. Somewhere along the way, I became completely hooked. As my love for running continued to grow, I naturally progressed from local 5Ks and 10Ks to half-marathons and eventually full marathons. In 1996, I qualified for the legendary Boston Marathon, and from that moment on, I was completely hooked. There was something incredible about the atmosphere, the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment that came with marathon running. I went on to run the Boston Marathon four times, along with some of the nation’s most iconic races, including the New York
City Marathon, Big Sur International Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Myrtle Beach
Marathon, and multiple races at Walt Disney World Resort, including the grueling Dopey Challenge — completing a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon in four consecutive days. Over the years, I completed 53 marathons in total, each one teaching me something different about endurance, determination, mental toughness, and the power of never giving up.
Sports taught me discipline, perseverance, humility, and the importance of community. The lessons I learned through athletics shaped not only the competitor I became, but also the person I became. Running, especially, evolved into something far greater than exercise or medals. It became a way to connect with people.
Over the years, that passion naturally grew into organizing races and charity events. I realized that a road race can be about much more than crossing a finish line. It can support families, raise awareness for important causes, bring communities together, and give people hope. Whether it’s directing The Varmint Half Marathon & 5K, organizing the Tropical Trot aboard “The 80s Cruise,” or helping with community events throughout Southwest Virginia, I’ve always believed that when you combine fun, fellowship, and purpose, people will rally around it. Running has given me friendships, memories, opportunities, and a lifelong connection to my community. For that, I will always be grateful.
CAP: How in the world did you decide to start the 5K on the 80s Cruise? Most people wouldn’t have thought of doing that while they’re on their vacation. But, not only did you decide to organize a 5K, you decided to organize a 5K for charity, which is one of the coolest things about the 80s Cruise, in my opinion! (Just because I’m not up there running/walking, doesn’t mean I’m not supporting, lol!) When did you come up with the idea? Tell me about how it came to you and how you made it happen — because there’s already so much going on during the cruise.
Charity Hurst: The 5K on “The 80s Cruise” honestly started as a crazy idea that probably only made sense to me at first. Jeff [her husband] and I had been talking about how cool it would be to run in the middle of the Caribbean Sea while on the cruise. One day, while we were walking around the ship, Jeff told me he wanted to introduce me to someone. That person was Brad Williams from the “Stuck In The ‘80s” podcast. We immediately started talking and discovered we were both runners. I casually threw out my idea that I directed races back home and wanted to organize a 5K on the ship. Brad and Steve Spears were hosting trivia events onboard and had connections with the cruise staff and ECP Cruises. Brad immediately loved the idea and said he would mention it to see if they would consider it. Jeff and I got excited and even designed shirts with the phrase “Cruise Aid.” We didn’t advertise much, but the next year we showed up with shirts and simply organized a small unofficial 5K on the ship. Everyone who participated got a shirt. After that, I started finding email addresses and persistently reaching out to people — with Brad helping push the idea too. Eventually, ECP finally agreed and said, “Okay, you can do it, but we’ll choose the day, time, and charity.”
I remember being disappointed that we wouldn’t actually be running in the middle of the Caribbean Sea like I had imagined. Instead, the race had to take place as the ship approached the next port. But once it all came together, none of that mattered.
I started designing shirts and wanted a fun, creative race name, but ECP settled on “Tropical Trot 5K Hosted by Brad Williams.” I had taken a hilarious photo of Brad wearing his DEVO hat and knew instantly it had to be part of the shirt design. It was perfect. What began as a wild idea has now grown into one of the most anticipated activities on the cruise each year. Brad Williams and Garrick from ECP have been incredible to work with and fully embraced the event.
What makes the race so unique is that I organize it just like a regular road race — except it takes place on the top deck of a moving cruise ship in the Caribbean. Participants complete 25 laps around Deck 12 to equal a 5K, but because the ship is moving while you run, your Garmin watch might show you ran 13 miles instead of three. It’s one of the funniest and most memorable parts of the entire experience.
What started as a fun idea eventually became much bigger. I realized that if people were willing to run laps on a cruise ship while listening to 80s music, we could also use that energy to help others. That’s when the event evolved into a charity fundraiser.
CAP: Tell me how you select the charities each year. Have they garnered more
attention/donations each year?
Charity Hurst: Each year, ECP Cruises selects the charity recipient, and the race has supported some incredible causes over the years, including the Bret Michaels Life Rocks Foundation, Love Hope Strength Foundation founded by Mike Peters, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Every year the event continues to grow, bringing together runners, walkers, music fans, and cruise guests from all over the country. It’s become more than just a race. It’s a community, a fundraiser, and an unforgettable experience that proves sometimes the craziest ideas turn into the best
traditions. Bret Michaels’ Life Rocks Foundation was especially meaningful because of the work they do for diabetes awareness, veterans, children, and families in need. I have a niece with Type1 diabetes. People are much more likely to support something when they can feel the heart behind it. The awareness and donations have definitely grown each year. I think once people experience the
event and see where the money goes, they want to come back and support it again. That’s been really rewarding to watch.
CAP: Were you surprised to hit $10K for Bret Michaels’ charity this year? How did that make you feel when you found out the final tally?
Charity Hurst: I was absolutely shocked we hit $10,000 this year for Bret Michaels’ charity. I knew participation had grown, and I knew people were excited, but hearing that final number was emotional. Standing there announcing it to Bret was one of those moments I’ll never forget. I was proud not for myself, but because it showed what people can accomplish together. A bunch of cruise guests
running laps around a ship raised real money that can truly help people. That’s incredible when you stop and think about it. As someone from a small Appalachian town, it also made me proud to represent where I come from. People from our area are generous, hardworking, and community minded. I think that spirit came through in that moment.
CAP: I know you didn’t get recognized as the organizer of this past year’s 5K — instead, the MTV VJs got the credit. That had to be crushingly disappointing. How hard was it to keep the bigger picture of what good came out of the event in your mind?
Charity Hurst: When you sit there and listen to people who were not involved at all and didn’t show up for the event get credit for everything you did… I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting a little. A lot of work goes into organizing something like that behind the scenes — planning, communication, sponsorships, registration, logistics — and when recognition goes elsewhere, it can be disappointing. But at the end of the day, I kept reminding myself why we were there in the first place. The purpose wasn’t personal recognition. The purpose was raising money for charity and creating something positive that people enjoyed. Once I focused back on that, it became easier to let go. Honestly, the hugs from participants, the excitement onboard, and seeing that final donation total mattered far more than getting credit. Those things are what stay with me.
CAP: You and I are both from a small town in Southwestern Virginia. You and Jeff, your husband, have been going on the 80s Cruise for several years (how many?) now, and everybody knows you. Do you credit that socialization to coming from a small town and just getting to know people as a habit, because that’s kinda what we do back home? Say hello to everyone and be polite? You’re also in public office, right? Is that kind of “knowing everyone” just part of your personality?
Charity Hurst: Jeff and I have been going on “The 80s Cruise” for eight years now, and one of the very best parts of the experience has been the friendships we’ve made along the way. I truly believe growing up in a small town shapes the way you interact with people. Back home in Southwest Virginia, you speak to people. You smile. You help others. You take time to get to know them. That’s simply how we were raised. Ironically, I’m actually pretty shy until I get to know someone. I am never the loudest person in the room, and I tend to be a little reserved at first. But once I get comfortable, I genuinely enjoy talking with people and hearing their stories. Serving as the Clerk of Circuit Court has probably reinforced that even more. In my role, I interact with people from every walk of life every single day, and I truly enjoy getting to know them. So, when we’re on the cruise, I don’t really meet strangers — I meet future friends.
The funny thing is, once people realize you’re approachable and willing to sit down and talk with them, they keep coming back. Before long, you suddenly realize you know half the ship. That sense of connection and community is one of the things that keeps us coming back year after year. We have made so many genuine friendships through the cruise ~ including you! Some of our cruise friends from California, Florida, and even Washington State have traveled all the way to Southwest Virginia to visit us and attend Rock the Clinch 2026. That has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of all of this. What started as a shared love
for 80s music and a fun vacation has turned into lifelong friendships and connections that feel like family.
CAP: I never see you as much as I’d like to on the cruise because we’re on slightly different schedules because you guys are “first show” and Russ and I are “second show,” but I love it when we bump into each other. It’s like old home days, even though I didn’t know you from Tazewell. We actually met on an elevator on the 80s Cruise, after you took a video of Jamie, the original “Washy Washy” guy, and I happened to be in the background — and people from back home who saw it immediately told both of us we needed to find each other. We just happened to bump into each other on the elevator, but I knew then that you were someone to keep up with! What advice do you have for people thinking about checking out the 80s Cruise?
Charity Hurst: I still laugh when I think about how we met because it is such a small-town Southwest Virginia story. Only people from our area could randomly spot each other in a video from a cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean and immediately start connecting the dots about who knows who and where everyone is from.
One of the funniest memories from the cruise was when everyone was absolutely tore up after Jamie — better known to all of us as “Washy, Washy” — got fired because someone complained about him. He had become such a fun and recognizable part of the cruise experience. Every day he greeted people with his big personality, his “Washy, Washy!” announcements, and the ability to make people smile before they even walked into the dining area. It sounds silly to people who haven’t experienced the cruise culture, but those little moments and personalities become part of the memories. Jamie brought energy and laughter to people every single day, and passengers genuinely loved him. It just showed
how connected everyone becomes on the cruise — even the staff feel like part of the family after a while.
That’s honestly one of the things I love most about The 80s Cruise. It really does feel like a floating community. People leave their stress behind for a few days and just enjoy life together. The music brings everyone together, but the friendships are what make it truly special. My advice to anyone considering the cruise is simple — just go. Even if you think you’re “too old,” “not outgoing enough,” or “don’t know anyone,” you will leave with friends. There’s something magical about being surrounded by thousands of people singing the same songs, reliving memories, laughing together, and simply enjoying the moment. And don’t be afraid to participate. Dress up. Go to the events. Join the activities. Some of the best memories happen unexpectedly — like meeting someone from your hometown
on an elevator in the middle of the ocean or discovering lifelong friends in the most
unlikely places.
CAP: You’re also in charge of a music event in the Summers in Richlands. Can you tell me some more about that? And how do you choose talent for that? (How do you convince people like Tiffany to come to deep Southwestern Virginia?)
Charity Hurst: We just met this morning with the Richlands Town Manager, Police Chief, and their teams to continue planning for Rock the Clinch, I can’t take credit for this event. My husband, Jeff, is truly the driving force behind it all.
Jeff has always loved 80’s music, so when we met Tiffany on “The 80s Cruise”, we instantly loved her. She was so down to earth and spent a long time talking with us like we were old friends. One of my favorite memories is Jeff helping her get lettuce for her salad one evening while we were standing in line for dinner — such a funny and random moment that still makes us laugh. When we got home, Jeff kept saying, “We need Tiffany at Rock the Clinch.” He reached out, and before we knew it, Tiffany was shopping at Walmart in Pounding Mill, Virginia! The concert was an absolute hit and continues to grow.
Booking talent is honestly about relationships and reputation. Once artists hear about the atmosphere, the crowds, and the purpose behind Rock the Clinch, many are excited to be part of it. As Rock the Clinch grows, we hope to bring in more artists. We have met so many on the cruise and as you know they are super nice!
This year, I finally convinced Jeff to go country. I said we need to switch it up every year – 80’s and then Country. We are so excited to welcome Aaron Tippin and an Alabama tribute band to Rock the Clinch in July. It’s going to be an incredible weekend that brings people into Tazewell County and showcases everything special about Southwest Virginia. Jeff is the visionary behind the music and entertainment, and I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes grit work — vendors, licenses, grants, logistics, and all the details it takes to pull off an
event of this size. But events like this do not happen because of one person. They happen because an entire community comes together. We are blessed with amazing volunteers, local support, and people who genuinely care about making our communities stronger.
Another organization we are proud to partner with through Rock the Clinch is Blackberry Winter. They do incredible community service projects throughout our area, and Teri Crawford Brown is truly one of the most selfless people you will ever meet. Through Blackberry Winter, nearly 1,000 beds have been provided to children and families throughout our region. As a former principal, I can honestly say there is no better feeling than seeing a high school student who has never had a bed of their own finally receive one. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. That is what makes events like Rock the Clinch so meaningful. It is more than music and entertainment — it is about people coming together to make a real difference in the lives of others throughout Southwest Virginia.
CAP: I know you’re also working to make people more aware of another Tazewell County standout, Billy Wagner, who was inducted to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame last year. You’re on the board of folks trying to get a statue built to honor Billy — you may be the whole Board for that, I’m not sure. Tell me more about that, and how people can help out with that project.
Charity Hurst: We’re building a bronze statue that will be placed in a mini park on Main Street in Tazewell, but Billy Wagner Park is about so much more than baseball. It is about showing young people from small towns and rural communities that extraordinary things are possible, no matter where you come from. The idea for the park was brought to life by local attorney and one of my best friends, Brad Pyott. Brad had the vision and brought all of us together to make it happen. Since then, it has truly become a community effort filled with people who believe in honoring Billy’s story and what it represents for Southwest Virginia. The property on Main Street is owned by the Tazewell I/EDA, and we have worked closely with Cara Spivey in obtaining permits, grants, etc. There is a committee of about 9 people right now. I’ve been honored to serve on the committee helping coordinate fundraising, promotion, and events for the project.
One of those events was the ShamROCK’N 5K at Wayfarer Appalachia, which helped raise funds and awareness for the park. We have the Billy Wagner Golf Tournament tomorrow. The support from our community has been incredible. People have donated, purchased engraved bricks for the park, shared our posts, attended events, and helped spread the word however they could. The Varmint [a race held in Burkes Garden, VA] is dedicated to Billy Wagner and has the coolest design this year.
Watching the statue itself come to life has been something else. The process is detailed, tedious, and honestly fascinating to watch. Seeing clay turn into something that will become a permanent part of our town’s history is hard to describe. And through all of it, Billy has remained one of the most humble people I have ever met. For someone who accomplished so much on the biggest stage in baseball, he has never forgotten where he came from or the people who helped him along the way. That humility is a big part of why this project means so much to so many people. So many people have asked how they can help support Billy Wagner Park, and the answer is simple — there are several ways to be part of this project and help us create something special for Tazewell and all of Southwest Virginia.
• Purchase an engraved brick that will become a permanent part of the park and help tell the story of community support behind this project. https://polarengraving.com/billywagnerpark
• Make a donation of any amount toward the construction and completion of the park.
• Attend and support fundraising events like our races, community activities, and special promotions connected to the project.
• Help spread awareness by sharing posts, talking about the project, and encouraging others to get involved.
• Local businesses can help through sponsorships, donations, or in-kind support for events and park needs.
• Volunteers are always important — whether it’s helping at events, assisting with promotion, or simply lending a hand when needed.
This park is about much more than baseball. It is about honoring a hometown hero while reminding young people from rural communities that hard work, humility, and perseverance can take you anywhere. Every person who supports this project becomes part of that story.
CAP: You do a lot of good — in our corner of the world and beyond. That was what really hit me this year on the cruise. It really made me so proud when you stood at that microphone and told Bret Michaels that the 5K raised $10K for his charity. I stood up and cheered, not just for that amazing result, but for you, for someone from my little hometown who was out there in the Caribbean on her vacation doing something more meaningful than just sipping margaritas and lounging by the pool or tracking down 80s rock stars for pictures and autographs (which is what I tend to find myself doing — I need to be more like you, seriously).
Charity Hurst: That honestly means so much to me, and I truly appreciate your kindness more than you know. But the truth is, none of those things happen because of one person. The 5K, the fundraising, the community projects — they all happen because of people who show up, support one another, and believe in doing something good together.
Standing there with Bret Michaels and announcing that we raised $10,000 for his charity was definitely a surreal moment, but what made me most proud was knowing that support came from ordinary people who simply wanted to help others and have fun.
I think people from small towns sometimes forget how special our communities really are. We grow up surrounded by hardworking, genuine people who know how to care for one another, and that foundation stays with you no matter where you go — whether it’s the Caribbean, a concert venue, a courthouse, or a community race. And trust me, I still enjoy the fun parts too — the music, the laughs, the memories, and yes… chasing down an 80s celebrity for a picture every now and then ~ ok, all day every day! But for me, the best part of any of it has always been the people and the relationships that come from it.
That’s really what so many of these projects are about for me — whether it’s Rock the Clinch, the Billy Wagner Park project, community races, or local fundraisers. It’s about showing people that our communities are filled with hardworking, creative, compassionate people who can accomplish incredible things when they come together. I really believe that too. When people are willing to follow their passions and share them with others, they usually discover they are not alone. There are other people looking for connection, purpose, creativity, and community too — they just need someone willing to take the first step.
CAP: Is there anything you’d like for people to know about the many charities you’re part of? How can people get more involved, whether they’re part of our community, or somewhere else?
Charity Hurst: I’d want people to know that charities, races, concerts, and community projects don’t happen because of one person. Everything starts with one person and then the idea grows, and as more people get involved it grows, and more people benefit. Never let one person kill your idea or your passion. That happens a lot, even with me. People thought I was crazy to bring a half marathon to Burkes Garden in June. They said it would never make it. That was 33 years ago. Even when they told me I couldn’t have a race in the middle of Covid and the entire country shut down, I was able to pull it off with 250 runners from across the east coast. It was a pretty awesome feeling knowing that The Varmint was the
first running event in the country to actually happen. It opened the doors for other events to follow. You don’t have to organize a major event or donate thousands of dollars to make a difference. Volunteer somewhere. Support local nonprofits. Show up to events. Encourage people to try to do something positive. Buy a race shirt. Sponsor a child. Share a fundraiser post. Offer your talents or your time. Every little thing matters more than people realize.
Some of the biggest impacts I’ve seen in my life came from simple acts of kindness and people quietly working behind the scenes without wanting recognition for it. Sometimes all it takes is one idea, one act of kindness, or one person willing to care enough to bring others together.
CAP: Is there anyone else I should mention — I don’t want to leave out others who are key to making the Cruise 5K happening.
Charity Hurst: Absolutely — there are so many people who help make the Tropical Trot 5K on The 80s Cruise possible each year. My husband, Jeff, is a huge source of support behind the scenes and helps keep everything grounded when things get hectic. One person I truly could not do this without is my childhood friend, Tamie Spitzer (and her husband, Kyle) from Spokane, Washington. She started cruising with us four years ago and immediately jumped in to help however she could. She handles so much behind the scenes — helping distribute shirts and medals, keeping things organized, and honestly just providing moral support when the stress starts building. She is awesome. We also have amazing friends who never hesitate to step in and help. Cindy & Freddie Smith, Brad & Elaine Pyott (all from Tazewell), Baltizer (from San Diego). They are always there carrying shirts onto the ship, helping on race day, and doing whatever needs to be done during the chaos of event morning. Brad Williams from the “Stuck in the 80s” podcast has also been an incredible supporter and emcee for the race. He brings so much energy and positivity to the event and genuinely cares about what we are trying to accomplish.
And then there’s Garrick from ECP — he’s my go-to person anytime I need help, have questions, or even when he has to tell me, “No, you probably can’t pull that off!” He has been wonderful to work with and even arranged for Jeff and me to attend a VIP meet-and-greet with Bret Michaels, where we were able to get pictures and autographs. The cruise staff, volunteers, sponsors, participants, and supporters all deserve credit too. And of course, Bret Michaels and his team were wonderful to work with this past year. When artists genuinely support charitable efforts, it inspires everyone else to get involved as well. At the end of the day, the race only succeeds because so many people come together to volunteer or participate.
CAP: Do you want to tell anyone reading anything else? Any words of wisdom about getting involved with charities, or how to start activities where they are? Thanks so much for your time. [Thirteen is my favorite number, so that’s why there are thirteen questions, lol!]
Charity Hurst: First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to write this interview and share these stories. It truly means a lot to me. I don’t do many interviews either, so the fact that you felt inspired enough on the ship to tell these stories is incredibly humbling. And now I know why there had to be 13 questions!
If there’s one thing I’d want people to take away from all of this, it’s not to wait until they think they have the perfect plan, enough money, enough connections, or enough influence to start helping others. Most meaningful things begin with a simple idea and a few people willing to work hard and believe in it. Some of the best projects I’ve ever been part of started with someone simply saying, “What if we tried this?”
That’s how races begin, festivals grow, and things happen. Pick your charity, your
project, your person and just go with it. That’s how a bronze statue honoring Billy
Wagner ends up being built in a small town in Southwest Virginia. It all starts with people who care enough to take the first step and others willing to join them. Community, kindness, and showing up matters. Whether it’s a small-town road race, a cruise ship 5K, a music festival, or a park project, the commonality is bringing people together for something positive. Share your passion! Don’t worry about what others think.
Thank you again for your kindness, encouragement, and support. I hope you know your writing and positivity inspire people too — probably more than you realize.
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