Winter Flight seeks a sponsor

Organizers of the 19th annual Winter Flight hit a snag the other week, long before the event’s first runner took a step.

The drawback came when organizers learned that the National Guard, the event’s major sponsor, was withdrawing most of its financial backing.

Race organizers said the Guard had pledged about $5,000 to the race, though they’ll now only donate approximately $1,000.

“They’re all tied up with guarding the country right now,” said Bob Zirt of the Salisbury Rowan Runners, the group whose members organize the event. “They said they simply didn’t have the money to help us.”

Winter Flight, which is scheduled for Feb. 3, includes a pair of runs and health walks. The longer of those two measures 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles). The shorter covers a mile.

Participants can decide the event they wish to enter, as well as whether they prefer to run or walk.

While the Guard will continue to provide personnel to help direct traffic and serve any number of other purposes on the day of the races, Zirt and other event organizers admit they’re struggling to come up with another financial sponsor.

Money raised through the run/walks is intended to assist the families and dependents of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

The amount raised will decrease greatly if another financial backer isn’t found, organizers said. Money provided by the sponsors goes to pay for sweatshirts (one of which is given to all 8-kilometer participants), as well as trophies.

“I don’t know how much money we’re going to raise unless we get another sponsor or come up with a lot more runners,” Zirt said.

Winter Flight has a long and proud history.

The event was first staged in 1984 and has been held every year since with the exception of one February when ice forced its cancellation.

Initially, the race began and ended in downtown Salisbury, the path of the event going through the city’s historic district. Eventually, the event’s start and finish lines was moved to Catawba College, with the route for the 8-kilometer event circling out Statesville Boulevard, then following U.S. 601 back to the college.

At the height of its popularity – about five years ago – almost 1,200 runners and walkers participated in Winter Flight.

Last year, about 500 participated.

“I realize I’m somewhat prejudiced, but from a runner’s standpoint, this is the best race I run,” said Trudy Gale, a member of Salisbury Rowan Runners and vice president of the committee that oversees Winter Flight.

Gale said she runs about 30 races a year, and said she talks to any number of runners who brag about Winter Flight.

She said the event is especially popular for runners because it offers a sweatshirt whereas most such events only give participants T-shirts.

Gale said the free beer provided runners is also a hit, as well as the performance by Mid-Life Crisis, a popular local band. The amenities at Catawba College are also among the best, she said.

“We’re still hopeful of getting another sponsor, but at this point we’re just not sure,” Gale said. She said last year was the first time the National Guard served as the major sponsor of the event.

If you’re interested in helping sponsor Winter Flight, contact Judy or Bob Zirt at 704-637-3840.

Contact Steve Huffman at 704-797-4247 or shuffman@salisburypost.com .