By David Freeze
Charlotte Corriher Comes Home as Winter Flight Pasta Dinner Keynote Speaker
Charlotte Corriher wasn’t much of a runner when she was a full-time Landis resident or during her time at South Rowan High School. But she has become celebrated as an ultra-marathoner throughout the southeast. Ultras are any distance more than a marathon, 26.2 miles, and Charlotte has taken that to the extreme. No other area runners and few in the southeast are on par with the distances that Charlotte runs. She is always looking for her next race, and she loves those with mega miles.
Charlotte loves the atmosphere of the ultras since they are more relaxed than other races. Now in the ninth year of her ultra journey to run the year in miles, Charlotte looks to complete at least 2026 total miles by the end of this year. She doesn’t train specifically; she just finds energy and desire to do another race after recovering early in the week from her last ultra.
Just last weekend, Charlotte did the “Goofy” at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. On consecutive days, she ran the 13.1 mile half marathon and the 26.2 mile marathon. Prior to that she completed the 200 Across Florida event, doing 200 miles over 3 days plus. And now she is searching for another 200-miler. Charlotte said, “That was definitely an adventure. This was the inaugural year of the race on the road since it had only been virtual before. There were definitely some logistical hiccups. Luckily, I had a wonderful support crew. I’m glad the issues of the race have not scared me away from the distance, I just need to find another one with a generous time cut- off time. But 200 milers are popping up all over now, and there are also multi-day races like 6 Days at the Fair in New Jersey.”
While her running resume is very impressive, Charlotte adds unique personality to her races by almost always wearing a costume. Her mom, Kay, is the chief costume maker. Charlotte’s motto is “If you can’t be Fast, be Festive!” She said, “The salmon in Alaska was a family project, as mom and I designed it, mom made it, and my sister Susan painted it. My Space Shuttle from the Space Coast Marathon 2017 even got the attention and approval of a NASA rocket scientist at the finish line. Since my favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, my 50 states finish at the 2018 Land of Oz Marathon in Kansas included six different costumes of the characters. Mom drove along and we met at pre-determined places for my costume changes. My costume during the 2022 A Race for The Ages was a tribute to my mom as I dressed as the different life phases of the Monarch Butterfly, since she raises and releases them every year. My 2023 Strolling Jim 42 miler was a tribute to my dad who had just passed, as I was dressed as Floyd Carruthers riding Strolling Jim, the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Champion. My grandfather and father both rode walking horses, and my family attended the National Championship in Shelbyville, Tennessee for many decades.
Overall, Charlotte has completed 182 marathons, 132 ultras, 35 100 milers and one 200 miler. She has marathon finishes in all 50 states. Those are very impressive numbers!
Charlotte works from her laptop and makes visits to customers in several states which often lets her get a start toward the next weekend’s ultra. But later this month on Saturday evening, January 31st, Charlotte will take the podium as keynote speaker at the Forum Fitness Winter Flight pasta dinner and Salisbury Rowan Runners annual celebration of the past year of local running at City Park Recreation Center. The public is invited to a fantastic pasta meal prepared by Debbie Suggs Catering. We will also have plenty of desserts from Abigail’s. There will be door prizes throughout the evening and a last chance to register for the races at non race day prices. Anyone registering that evening or already registered will be able to pick up their race bib and goody bag, along with their commemorative hoodie from 6-8pm at the City Park Recreation Center, 316 Lake Drive, Salisbury.
Look for more about Winter Flight and the pasta dinner at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org, or call 704-310-6741.
