Butterfly Run: Ryleigh Remembered

Ryleigh Meree Stegall was born on November 20, 1996.  During the summer prior to her fourth birthday, her parents, Steven and Michelle Stegall, received the news that Ryleigh had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. She endured chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow transplants.

She was able to begin kindergarten in 2002, but by the following March a relapse occurred. For the next four years Ryleigh was home-schooled by her Nana and Papa Billy (Dean and Billy Stegall). During their many walks and special field trips, Ryleigh developed a love of butterflies.

Ryleigh died on Septermber 14, 2007. Her parents and her siblings, Keerstin and Chandler, were heartbrokent.  From the day she was diagnosed, the overwhelming show of love, concern, and generosity surrounded the Stegall Family. The continuous support during her battle inspired the creation of the Butterfly Foundation in October of 2007.  The first event was held in Waynesboro on November 20, 2007.

The purpose of the Butterfly Foundation is to distribute financial assistance to families who have children with life-threatening or life-altering illnesses. As of December 31, 2025 $1.5 Million Dollars have been provided to more than 459 children and their families in Wayne County and the surrounding areas.

Course

USATF Certified 5K Course and 1 Mile Course start inside Waynesboro City Park.

5K USATF Certification #TN21036MS

1 Mile USATF Certification #TN21037MS

Race Shirt

All registered runners will receive our annual Butterfly Run race T-Shirt. If T-Shirts run out on race day, more will be available two weeks after the race for pickup

Medals and Prizes

The first 550 finisher of the 5K will receive a custom Butterfly Run participation medal

Best 5K Overall Male and Female both receive $100 Cash

Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, GrandMasters Male/Female (60+), and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (1-5, 6-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over)

Awards for 1 Mile 1st, 2nd & 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (0-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12)

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:15-7:45 AM

Announcements and Wheelchair Start: 7:45 AM

5K Race Start: 8:00 AM

1 Mile Wheelchair Start: 9:10 AM

1 Mile Fun Run Start: 9:15 AM

Awards: 9:45 AM

Early Registration

Mail Entry Forms & Checks To:
Jim Beavers
P.O. Box 64, Waynesboro, TN 38485

FAQ

Where is the race? Waynesboro City Park, Waynesboro, TN 

When is the event? Saturday, June 5, 2027 - 8:00 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? Please plan to arrive prior to 7:15 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up

Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 30 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 7:30 AM to support our planned start time

Where do I get my packet? You can pick up your race packet starting at 6:15 am race day morning at Waynesboro City Park pavilion 

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, all participants get a T-shirt. If we run out on race day, we will have more available for pickup within two weeks of the race.

Are there medals? Yes! The first 550 finishers of the 5K will receive custom Finisher Medals.

Prizes and awards will be handed out for the 5K top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+) and GrandMasters (60+) divisions and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 5-year age groups. 

What are the age groups? Male and Female groups for 1-5, 6-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site in the park

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed

Are pets allowed? No pets are allowed at the Butterfly Run

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events

Is the course certified? Yes, the 5K and 1 Mile courses are USATF certified #TN21036MS and #TN21037MS

Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, there are some hills along the course with a grade of 6%+

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone! 

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help! Just call Jim Beavers: 931-722-3658 Cell: 931-722-0661 beaverslumber@gmail.com