The Eli Capps-Amburgey Elk River Trail Challenge

Event: The Eli Capps-Amburgey Elk River Trail Challenge (in-person and virtual options) 

Registration Fee: Adults: $10 + tax; Children: Free

Date and Time: October 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Check in and t-shirt pickup begins at 9 am.  

T-shirt order: Link under Race Website. Available until October 2nd. Follow us on Facebook for updates.

Where: The Elk River Trail - North Trailhead, Clendenin, WV

Beneficiary: The Eli Capps-Amburgey “Wish for Fish” Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Goal: Raise $1,000 to award at least one scholarship (two if we surpass our goal)

We are excited to honor the memory of Eli Capps-Amburgey once again with the “Wish for Fish” Memorial Scholarship. Eli loved Herbert Hoover High School, loved his community, and had a gift for making life a little more fun for everyone around him. He was hilariously quick-witted, full of heart, and could turn an ordinary moment into a story worth telling.

This scholarship is our way of passing on Eli’s spirit of authenticity and giving momentum to the next generation as they prepare for their future after high school. Each year we award a graduating senior a scholarship based not on academics or their future path, but by sharing their story. We want them to share who they are, what matters to them, and where they are headed because Eli taught us that being yourself is what truly counts. Everyone is deserving of a little boost as they begin a new journey.

This fundraiser is organized by Eli’s wife, Mandi, and a group of his old friends who still miss his laugh and his fun loving personality. One of Eli’s favorite pastimes was hiking with Mandi and their son Maxwell. He also loved exploring nature here on the Elk River, kayaking and mushroom hunting with friends. We have created the Elk River Trail Challenge to honor his love of the outdoors, and bring people together to walk, run, hike, bike, or even join virtually in his honor. This is a relaxed, just-for-fun event with no winners or prizes, so everyone is welcome no matter their pace. You can also support us by buying a T-shirt or making a donation.

Our goal is to raise at least $1,000 for a single scholarship, and if enough is raised, with your help we would love to award two. Every shirt, every mile, and every dollar raised helps us celebrate Eli’s life and help the next generation of students take the first step on the path of a future of their choosing. We hope you’ll join us!!