By David Freeze
Local running and racing are getting busy!
Late March through early June are usually busy months for racing and this year will be no exception. Here is a recap of the choices for late March and April.
The Mt. Hope Run for Missions 5K and Fun Run starts off the fun. This run/walk is at Salisbury Community Park on March 29th and uses the paved greenway and gravel roads for both races. Mt. Hope uses the proceeds for a long list of annual mission projects. One of the areas best managed races in a beautiful park setting is a great way to start the morning.
Next up is the West Rowan Bible Teachers Association 5K and Fun Run at West Rowan Elementary School in Cleveland. This run/walk is in line to possibly take over as the largest 5K in the county with this year’s event on April 5th. The run/walk is on one of the fastest courses in the county while touring Cleveland. Proceeds from the event helps provide Bible teachers in the local schools since they are not funded by the state.
On April 12th, the One in 5K and Fun Run will also be at Salisbury Community Park. Race start is 9am. Since 1978, Family Crisis Council of Rowan has provided services such as emergency shelter, hospital accompaniment, court advocacy, case management and counseling to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, incest, and human trafficking in Rowan County. The significance of the race name is that one in five of all females will be abused in their lifetime. All proceeds go to FCC.
Two Special Olympics will be held soon as well. On March 27th at Catawba, the older students and adults will have their competitions on the football field and track. April 10th, the younger athletes will compete at West Rowan High School. Both events start at 10am and will conclude by shortly after noon. Spectators are invited to attend this especially rewarding day. Special Olympics Rowan County is in charge.
Last week’s column was headlined by two Catawba College athletes who achieved national prominence. Both qualified for the final by doing well in the prelims with a strong showing in the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis, Indiana. Winfred Porter finished second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.65, a personal best for him. Miles Stephens was eighth in the same event with a time of 6.76, Both are now All-Americans for their efforts.
Three of the oldest races in Salisbury will all shift to a new course this year because of construction at Knox Middle School. The new course will be central to Overton Elementary and will use West Park Drive, the greenway and the Prescott neighborhood while starting and finishing at Overton. Spectators will get to see the runners and walkers three times during the 5K. Races held this year on the new course will include Teens With a Mission 5K from First Presbyterian Church on Friday night, May 2nd, the Bare Bones 5K for Salisbury Rowan Runners on May 24th and the Greenway 5K for Salisbury Parks and Rec on July 19th.