Hope in the Midst of Tragedy: the Story of the Amy Schuerholtz Metz and Charm City Run Scholarship presented by Saucony

By: Tom Mansfield, Charm City Run COO

We started the Amy Schuerholz Metz and Charm City Run Scholarship presented by Saucony back in 2015 after a former store lead, Anthony, had a great idea to support our local high school students. This was a chance for us to not only support these great young men and women, but share their stories with Charm City Run Nation. When we first launched the scholarship, we were receiving 40-50 applications and now we accrue over 100 each year. The competition is steep. These young people are impressive. Full of life and aspirations for the future. They want to make our world a better place to live. I always tell our Scholarship Review Team that these student-athletes make my high school years look weak, but they always give me so much hope for the future.

In 2016 CCR Nation was struck with tragedy. We lost a friend, training member, and Charm City Run advocate, Amy Schuerholtz Metz. Amy was one of those people that always put a smile on your face. She loved the run and she made others love it even more. The following year, we talked with her family about how we could spread the love Amy had for running and community. The CCR Scholarship was the perfect fit. Amy’s family has supported the Scholarship ever since and she would be so proud. Amy’s story and her love of the sport radiates through these young people. It’s special.

The running industry is unique. It conveys a very family feel of comradery and support between our brand, community and our vendor partners.

When we approached Saucony to bring them on board to support the Scholarship it was a no questions asked type of scenario. It just made sense.

 So here we are. Year six and we are moving forward stronger than ever. Congratulations to our 2021 winners Bronwyn Patterson graduate of South River High School and Vinay Khosla graduate of Dulaney High School. Truly one of my most favorite times of the year, I can’t wait to see what applicants 2022 brings. It is truly an honor to read the applications, speak to the finalists, and select the winners. The support of Charm City Run Nation continues to make this Scholarship and all of our other giving possible. I can’t say thank you enough to Amy’s family, Saucony, and our community. If you have a rising senior that would be a great candidate, please encourage them to apply at charmcityrun.com/scholarship. Live.Give.Run.