Columns

By David Freeze

A few years back, I heard from a former running client about her involvement with Ainsley’s Angels. Allison Tuck’s son is handicapped and couldn’t run but he loved the environment around race day. Allison wanted to know if we would allow wheelchairs, specifically a special kind of racing chair, in the event.

We liked the idea so much that the one chair grew to as many as six in our races and even more in some others the Angels have attended locally.

Ainsley’s Angels of America was founded by retired U.S. Marine Major Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, Ainsley’s dad. He noticed that when she went for her first jog during a local road race in 2008, she gave a radiant wind-induced smile that anyone would envy. In an instant, running provided the family with a therapeutic means to fight the devastation associated with learning and trying to live with the fact that sweet Ainsley had a terminal illness that would eventually take her to heaven in February 2016. Today, her incredible legacy lives on, and Ainsley’s Angels of America has grown to over 70 cities and 33 states.

Local Ambassador Lauren Bruce said, “In the Triad, we roll with nearly 50 Angel riders, 22 racing chairs and 70 Angel runners of all ages, paces, and backgrounds now celebrating three years of inclusion, education and advocacy. We aim to ensure everyone can experience endurance events and build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Our Angel riders are our purpose and inspiration, and I like to say that we take riders from the sidelines to across finish lines. On race day, we fit each rider for a specialized racing chair and pair them with runners who volunteer to lend their legs so they may roll with the wind. Our runners and riders meet as strangers but leave as family.”

Lauren has recently assumed Ambassador responsibility for the Triad Angels, which includes the Rowan County area. She said, “I have always been an avid runner, and I first saw Ainsley’s Angels at a race in Jacksonville, N.C., about five years ago. I was instantly intrigued. When I moved to the area, I heard that the Triad was just getting started, so I immediately signed on to help however I could. Since my very first race, I have had the honor of being pulled by our Angel riders in multiple distances from 5K to marathon, and even in the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon as an official charity partner with Ainsley’s Angels. I stepped into the role of local ambassador in 2020 and am absolutely thrilled and excited to continue building our community and sharing the pure mission of Ainsley’s Angels. You don’t have to be an elite runner to join our family, or even a runner at all. We welcome all gifts and talents from race day logistics and setup to community outreach and more.”

Four Angel teams, always named for the rider, will compete today. Team Logan is a father and son duo, hailing from the Catawba Valley with multiple Boston Marathon qualifications and hopefully a 26.2-mile journey there in 2022. Team Ethan recently completed a marathon in honor of his fellow Special Olympics North Carolina athletes. You know he is enjoying the race when he is relaxed enough to comfortably sleep in his chair, “Blaze.” Team Gabe is a first-time team, and we cannot wait to see them roll with the wind. Team Matthew will be one of our fastest teams on the course, so keep an eye out for them.

For 2021, Lauren’s goals are to keep rolling safely and continue growing the Angel family with new riders, runners and guardian angels. She said, “We cannot wait for the safe return of more races and events. We hope to see you roll with us. Visit ainsleysangels.org or email nctriad@ainsleysangels.org to join our family.”

About 300 runners of all ages and abilities will also compete this afternoon, benefitting Rowan Helping Ministries, in the 38^th Annual New Sarum Brewing Winter Flight 8K/5K and Fun Run at the Millbridge Ruritan Building at 690 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla. Race day registration is available from noon to 1:45 p.m.

For more information on today’s race and others upcoming, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Salisbury and Rowan’s biggest race, the 38^th Annual Winter Flight, is back with its 2021 version, with the race date set for Jan. 17. Normally the last Sunday in January, the date change isn’t the only thing that will be different. But first, we’ll cover the things that stay the same.

New Sarum Brewing is the title sponsor again and will continue for four more years. There are still the 8K (4.97 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and a fun run (1/2 mile). All the race proceeds will go to Rowan Helping Ministries. Meredith Abramson’s very popular hoodie is back for all 8K, 5K and wheelchair participants. Ainsley’s Angels will again provide able-bodied runners to push physically challenged kids in wheelchairs to kick off the 8K/5K races.

The 8K will again be nationally certified through the United States Association of Track and Field (USATF). A dynamic sound system will be in place to enhance race announcements and Neal Wilkinson’s stirring pre-race national anthem while also providing pre-race and finish line music. The race will again be chip timed by Agape Timing of Concord.

Here are the differences. For the first time in 38 years, the race will not be held in Salisbury. All races will start and finish at the Millbridge Ruritans building across from Sloan Park. The race location is at 490 Sloan Road. Instead of city streets, the race will be run entirely in a rural, low-traffic environment with two rolling hills and lots of flat stretches. Locke and West Rowan fire departments will handle the safety on the courses with various volunteers, including many from Rowan Helping Ministries, supporting them. The western Rowan area around Sloan Park and Kerr Mill is one of the prettiest road race courses in the county. It’s dairy country and you’ll see way more cows than cars.

All races will follow Road Runners Club of America and North Carolina coronavirus guidelines. Masks are required when not racing and wave starts will be used. The event will not include an indoor gathering and all participants are encouraged to practice proper distancing.

Now for more of the usual good things that make this event one of the best in the Southeast. The 5K run/walk encourages walkers to participate and they can win age group awards. There remains a 90-minute course limit for the 8K. All race participants will have a chance to earn about 180 awards provided by the Trophy House.

We expect another highly competitive race with top local runners, Matthew and Jonathan Martin, in the lead pack. The twins finished 1-2 last year. On the women’s side, Rebecca Parker will again return to chase another win in the 5K. Multi-time winner Molly Nunn from Clemmons returns in the 8K. There are cash payouts for a new 8K course record which can be won by beating the Salisbury course best times. Other 8K cash payouts go to the first male and female to the mile and first Rowan County male and female finisher and first male and female overall finisher. This race usually draws participants from five or six states.

The men’s course record is a sizzling 23:07, set in 2015 by Kenyan Eliud Ngetich. Olympian and Carrboro resident Joan Nesbit set the long-standing women’s record of 26:48 in 1992. In its long history, the 8K has hosted many Olympic hopefuls.

Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb said, “This year has been about protocols, partnerships, prayers and pivoting. Planning for Winter Flight and how our partners have re-imaged and overcome barriers to ensure a fun and safe run has all of these components. Winter Flight will provide much-needed funds to our agency and give our community a healthy, fun, and safe opportunity to participate in this longstanding tradition.”

Top sponsors at press time in addition to title sponsor New Sarum Brewing are the Millbridge Ruritans, the Trophy House, Dr. Robert Glassgow, David Post and Catawba College, even though the event will not begin and end on their campus as usual.

A packet pickup and late registration will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Ralph Baker Shoes, 428 N. Main Street in Salisbury.

Online registration continues at runsignup.com and a printable race brochure with more information available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .