By David Freeze
West Rowan Bible Teachers Association 5K and Fun Run
Just a week away is the hottest race going in Rowan County, the Fifth Annual WRBTA 5K and Fun Run at West Rowan Elementary School in Cleveland. The energy at this race is incredible and much of that pizzaz comes from Race Director Deb Gusler. Race day is April 18th, with the 5K at 9am and the Fun Run at about 10:15am. The school serves as the start and finish for both races.
The course is very fast and does not have a hill on it. The Cleveland Police and Fire Departments and other fire departments will provide a safe course for runners and walkers.
Gusler has been the Administrative Assistant for 5½ years at West Rowan Elementary School since it opened. She said, “In this role, I support staff, students, and their families each day, and I truly love being part of the WRES family!”
Running became a passion for Gusler later in life and she was out running when I contacted her about finalizing this article. Gusler said, “I started at age 39, and once I began, I never looked back. It has become a form of therapy for me. In 2019, I completed my first half marathon, finishing first in my age group. That same year, I ran 1,080 miles!”
Gusler has been a member of the WRBTA board for 16 years. The idea for the 5K came from a conversation with a friend about fundraising for the Bible program. When she presented the idea to the board, they fully supported it. That first year was a really tight schedule from the confirmation of the event to race day, just slightly over a month as I remember.
Gusler said, “Our community’s passion for the WRBTA is truly amazing! This is a run/walk event that people of all ages can participate in. We promote it in fun and engaging ways from our 5K pep rally at school (where teachers wear inflatables and race around the gym) to social media, letters mailed to residents in Cleveland, and yard signs. Our teachers play a huge role in building excitement by encouraging students in their classrooms.
WRBTA is very grateful to have three Bible teachers who serve the West Rowan community. Funds raised help pay those three teachers, including salary and benefits, since the state does not contribute to this program. The WRBTA is a 100% community funded nonprofit organization whose purpose is to raise funds to provide the support necessary for the Bible classes. Currently, the annual amount needed is $245,000.
Faith Devenny, Sara Bailey Wooten and Brant Marlin are the Bible teachers. Devenny is at West Rowan and Mt. Ulla Elementaries, while Marlin is at West Rowan Middle School. Wooten is at West Rowan High School.
Other fundraising events include the WRBTA Hanging Basket Sale on May 9th at Salem Lutheran and The Arbor Church, the WRBTA Golf Tournament held at McCanless Golf Club in Salisbury on August 22nd and the WRBTA Sweet Potato Sale the week before Thanksgiving.
Interested parties can donate at: HTTPS://TINYURL.COMWRBTA5K (a “donate only” option is available) and at WRBTA.com. For more information or to donate, call Gusler at 704-902-5237.
On race day, West Rowan High School will provide a fun both in conjunction with the fun run that will include face painting, tattoos, games, etc. Pete Bogle will also juggle for entertainment. There will be music for everyone before and during the races and lots of bells and noise makers celebrating those who cross the finish line.
For more information on the WRBTA races or any of SRR’s other events, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org As a reminder, the One in 5K for the Family Crisis Council has been cancelled for this Saturday, April 11th.
