By David Freeze
More on Winter Flight
We are just a week away from one of the most historic events in North Carolina running. The 43rd Annual Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run take center stage on Sunday afternoon, February 1st, at Catawba College beginning with the half mile fun run on the track at 1:30 pm. Then the wheelchair athletes take off at 1:58, followed by the 5K and the feature event 8K at 2pm.
The races used to start in downtown Salisbury and longtime friend, Dr. Dick Martin reminded me how they came to a much better venue at Catawba. He said, “In either ‘84 or ’85, Bob Zirt and I and had gone to run a race in Durham that included the Duke University campus then finishing on the track of the football field. Someone knew Catawba had a measured course that finished behind the gym. When we looked at it, we suggested finishing on the track which was easily entered with 3/4 of the track to a finish line. It was easy to adjust both start and finish line for the measured course. That is how the current course came to be.”
Both Martin and Zirt were some of the small group of Greater Salisbury Track Club members who made those early races happen. The GSTC later became the Salisbury Rowan Runners who own the race to this day. Catawba College is still a major partner as is the City of Salisbury. Rowan Helping Ministries is the recipient of all proceeds. They provide many of the large group of about 60 volunteers who will work the races.
Outgoing Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb said, “Winter Flight is a cherished tradition in our community that brings people together year after year to care for our neighbors in need. We are so thankful for our longtime partnership with Salisbury Rowan Runners, whose generosity and commitment have sustained this race for so many years. It means so much to us to see that spirit continue, and we are especially excited that our new Executive Director, Cress Goodnight, will be participating in this year’s race and joining a community that truly shows up for one another.”
The always popular Winter Flight hoodies with the new 2026 commemorative logo, designed by Meredith Abramson, are back again this year in royal blue. And for the first time, every finisher will get a commemorative die-cast medal that also uses Abramson’s logo. Additional awards for the race are numerous and include the Road Runners Club of America North Carolina state championship, plus a complete list of about 150 overall and age group awards for the 8K, 5K and fun run. These will be announced at the awards ceremony in Goodman Gym immediately following each race. Huge amounts of refreshments, water and Cheerwine will be available to all finishers after the races.
Back again this year is the popular WF raffle, also benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. This year, Dick’s Sporting Goods has provided a $500 gift certificate as the prize. Tickets are one for $5.00 and three for $10. Contact Lynn Furr at 704-724-2819. The gift card does not expire.
Registration continues right up until race time at runsignup.com. Other late opportunities for registration are from 6-8pm on January 31st at City Park Recreation Center at 316 Lake Drive in Salisbury and again from 12 noon to race time for all three races inside Goodman Gym on Sunday, February 1st.
Salisbury and the surrounding area turn out in a big way as sponsors of Winter Flight. Besides The Forum, Catawba College and the City of Salisbury, other major sponsors include The Trophy House, David Post Law, Debbie Suggs Catering, First Horizon Bank. Additional sponsors include Ralph Baker Shoes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lantern Realty, the Bogle Firm, Carolina Cremation, the Salisbury Post, Teresa Shaw, Lazy 5 Vets, Taylor Clay Products, Bradshaw Rogers Financial Planners, Dr. Acquawon Stallworth, Walser Technology Group, Cheerwine, Hoffner Organic Farm, F&M Bank, Scott Weant, Brent Parks CPA, Mike Wright Ameriprise Financial Planners, Accelerate Therapy and Performance,, Carter Law Group, Falcon Financial, Cloninger Ford/Toyota, Miller and Sons Produce, Godley’s Garden Center, Sudden Impact, Carolina Golf Mart, Patterson Farm Market, Whimziggy, Koontz and Smith Law Firm, RLC Associates, Abigail’s, The Lettered Lilly, Rowan Cabarrus YMCA, GNC, North Carolina Transportation Museum, Harwood Signs and Gear for Races.
Races for the whole family on beautiful courses and a popular beneficiary of all proceeds make for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I hope to see you there! Look for more information about this and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
