Asher’s Story
My name is Asher Norvell, I am 11 years old and attend 6th Grade at Clayton Middle School.
My Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Taylor, would like us to complete a Passion Project before the end of the year. She asked us to think about something we really care about, something we’re “passionate” about. To find a way to help others and see the importance of improving and helping the world. Something I am passionate about is kids having access to life-changing medical care that they can’t get at home, which brings me to myself.
Something you should know about me: I was born at 25 weeks and 3 days, weighing 1 lb 14 oz. I have spent over 623 days off and on in the hospital and have had over 28 surgeries, with more to come in Stanford, California. I have paralyzed vocal cords, so I am unable to talk very well, and I breathe through a tracheostomy tube in my neck and get fed by a button in my stomach. This is how I am able to play soccer, run, and live an active life.
From My Journey to Theirs
On May 3rd, 2026, I will be hosting Asher’s Miles for Miracle Flights for my Passion Project. This organization was founded in 1985 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free commercial flights for children and their families to access life-changing medical care they can’t receive in their local communities.
There will be a 5K Fun Run/Walk that I will be running in. We will also have a Kids Lap and a Toddler Dash, along with a raffle for various items at the event. It will be fun for the whole family and raise funds for a wonderful cause. I would greatly appreciate your support for my project and for helping kids across the states.
Details from Asher’s Teacher
Martha Taylor
“I started having my students work on a passion project about ten years ago. I wanted them to look beyond their own life-situations and find a way to help others. I had them think about something they really cared about – something they were passionate about. Book learning is super important for our students, but I wanted them to see the importance in improving their own world. The majority of the students (and their parents) really seem to enjoy the project.”
Join the Run
Be Part of Asher’s Miles for Miracle Flights
Lace up your shoes and help make a difference for kids across the country. Every mile you run brings hope and access to life-changing medical care.
Date
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time
9:00 AM
Location
Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89503
Your Race Guide
Everything you need to know about packet pick-up, start times, and how we’re coming together to run for a life-changing cause.
Packet Pick-Up: Please plan to pick up your race bib and goodies before race day whenever possible. Race-morning pick-up is limited, as our volunteers are focused on event setup and participant support.If you are traveling from out of town, race-morning pick-up will be available. You may pick up packets for family members or friends.
Race-Day Registration: A limited number of walk-up registrations (25 spots) will be available on race morning for $35. We encourage early registration to guarantee your spot and medal.
Pick-Up Schedule
- Friday, May 1
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Remarc Manufacturing (1995 Tampa St., Reno, NV 89512)
- Saturday, May 2
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Remarc Manufacturing (1995 Tampa St., Reno, NV 89512)
- Sunday, May 3 (Race Day)
- 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
- Rancho San Rafael Park – Peavine Pavilion
Race Start Times & Locations
- 5K Run 9:30 AM
- Start: Near Peavine Pavilion. Finish: Pagoda Turf Event Grass Area
- Kids Lap (0.75 Mile) 10:45 AM
- Start: Near Peavine Pavilion. Finish: Pagoda Turf Event Grass Area
- Toddler 50-Yard Dash 11:00 AM
- Start and finish on the same field near Peavine Pavilion
For course maps and parking details, please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Event Details
This is a fun run supporting an incredible cause. To keep costs low and direct more funding toward life-changing flights for children, we will not offer official chip timing.
- Instead, we’ll use a simple, community-style system:
• Runners receive a name tag at check-in
• Turn it in at the finish line
• Times will be posted on a board - We’ll do our best to keep times organized. Competitive runners are welcome to track their own time.
On-Site Activities
- Silent Auction & Raffle: Held at Peavine Pavilion during the event. Participants must be present to win.
- Food Truck: Doggy Style Korean Corndogs will be on site and donating a portion of sales to support the cause.
- Photos: Event photos will be posted on our Facebook page within a few days. Volunteers will capture moments throughout the event, and official race photography will be provided by Duvall Photography.