By David Freeze
Bible Teachers 5K Is a Big Success!
The WRBTA 5K and Fun Run on April 18th in Cleveland was even better than expected! Race director Deb Gusler said, “Planning and preparations for this year’s race began shortly after last year’s event. We created a 5K board this year which made the planning process more organized and efficient. Each year, we take time to evaluate what worked well and explore new ways to enhance the overall race experience.”
More than 560 runners registered for the races and 466 finished. Overall winner was Cody McNeely with a time of 20 minutes and one second. He was followed by Isaac McLauglin in 20:12 and David Shields with 21:30. Top female was Colette Conway with a time of 23:18. Second was Jessica King in 23:30 and third went to Dilsa Calderon in 24:40. Tops in the fun run was Rames Morris. By my memory, this is the largest Rowan County race in the last decade.
Gusler continued, “Some of the biggest highlights of preparing for the race are reaching out to sponsors and sharing the impact that WRBTA has for our public school Bible classes. It’s always encouraging to see how willing our community is to support what we’re doing. Another highlight is the excitement in our schools. Activities like our 5K pep rally help students understand what the race is all about, and seeing their energy and enthusiasm makes all the hard work leading up to trace day even more meaningful.”
There are so many people who deserve credit that Gusler didn’t want to name them for fear of leaving someone out. She said, “This event is truly a community effort. From our generous sponsors to the participants, volunteers, and the support of our local fire and police departments, every single person plays an important role. It’s the coming together of all these groups that makes the WRBTA 5K such a successful event each year. I am happy to share that the race raised $52,000.”
One of the biggest highlights of race day was the spectacular fun run. With 60 entries and most of them kids, the finish was hectic and simply added to the feeling of positive energy all around. Gusler closed by saying, “There was excitement everywhere! From seeing the kids eager to participate in the fun run to celebrating runners as they finished and received their medals. It was a great day! We heard first-time participants say they were already excited to come back next year. The planning process has begun. I’ve taken notes and feedback from volunteers and participants and am thinking through ideas for next year’s race. It’s really something that stays on my mind year-round, because we’re always looking for ways to make our race better!”
May has four SRR events and races and all are interesting! First up is the Girls on the Run 5K on May 2nd. This isn’t in fact a race at all for most participants, but a celebration of the end of the GOTR spring session.
Next up is the China Grove Challenge on May 8th, a special Friday evening on Main Street for runners, walkers and residents. There is a Tot Trot run for small kids, a half-mile fun run for older kids and the big event, a 5K dash out and back on Main Street.
On May 16th, the Ed Dupree 5K takes place at East Rowan High School. Dupree was a well-known runner, coach, sportswriter and a popular advocate of all things exercise. He inspired me to run across North Caroline during the winter of 2018. The race benefits Hospice and the Ed Dupree Scholarship program.
And for the final race of a very busy month, May 23rd is the Chillin’ to the Bare Bones 5K at Overton Elementary School. Proceeds go to Relay for Life.
Still one more event in May is the Special Olympics Torch Run, this year on Friday May 7th and open to any runner capable of 12-minute miles on a 5-mile course. This isn’t a race either, but a wonderful celebration that serves as a fundraiser for this program. Cost is $25. Contact Adam Bouk at abouk@salisburync.gov for entry.
More information on all these events can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
