Nearly 650 runners hit streets of China Grove

Downtown China Grove came alive in a big way Friday night. Almost 650 participants came to Main Street with friends and families for the biggest running event in many years in Rowan County.

China Grove provides the picturesque setting of small town Americana and the many runners provided almost unlimited energy on a summer evening.

The 13th annual China Grove 5K Main Street Challenge was the headline event. Runners came from four states to run down and back on Main Street. The event is organized by the South Rowan YMCA, and the course was protected by the town fire and police departments.

The runners started in twilight and finished in the dark.

Overall male winner was Jordan Kinley of Charlotte in a time of 15 minutes and 5 seconds.

Ryan Woods of Boone was second and Chris Lamperski of Charlotte followed in third.

Amber Moran of Arden set a new course record of 17:1 to lead the women. Alice Rogers of Charlotte was second, with China Grove's 20-year-old Olivia Jacobs finishing third.

Jacobs, who runs for Western Carolina University, gets excited about the race each year.

"I love that the race gets so much of the community out for a healthy cause, and it's great that they cheer us on. It's nice that such good competition comes here," Jacobs said. "I like running night races and this one is special."

In the end, 555 runners and walkers registered for the 5K.

Susan Moore of Woodleaf has run the race 12 of the 13 years.

"Everyone from the town wants the event to succeed. China Grove provides the venue for a fun night. I felt safe on the run even though it was dark," she said. "I was amazed at how many residents came out to watch the race along the streets."

Race director Aaron Crowe agreed.

"This race is about countless volunteers knowing what to do. It's the town's race, the YMCA's race, it belongs to the sponsors, runners, and volunteers," Crowe said.

Edie and Ricky Smith started the event and ran it for the first three years before the YMCA took it over. There has been a steady increase in participants during that time, though the weather has played havoc with attendance a few times. Not so on Friday night, as the festive atmosphere included a DJ, many vendors and two kids' races.

A first time highlight this year was a cooling shower of water sprayed by the fire department on the runners who wanted it.

"I ran through it going out and coming back," said Mike Mangum of Salisbury. "I made sure I got soaked heading toward the finish."

Bone marrow recipient Anna Hartsell came from Albemarle to run her first 5K along with her sister, Taylor, and father, Gary.

Ronda Malnar of Salisbury soaked in the excitement.

"I just can't believe the quality and organization of this event." she said. "We'll be back next year."

The first kids' race of the evening was the Krispy Kreme Tot Trot. A 100-yard dash showcased 30 future 5K'ers. No times were kept, but all children 5 and under were winners of a medal highlighting the event.

Next up was the Pizza Hut Half Mile Fun Run, which had 51 children under 12 in the race won by 11-year-old Caleb Sherrill of Kannapolis in a time of 3:11 Sherrill then ran the 5K in 28:03.

All runners got a medal and shirt commemorating the event.

Food Lion was the title sponsor, with other major sponsors including the South Rowan Y Service Club, town of China Grove, Dick's Sporting Goods, Pizza Hut, Concord Computer Solutions and Krispy Kreme.

Additional second tier sponsors included Duke Energy, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Farrington Medical Center, Cornerstone Church, Dayspring Community Church, Cheerwine, Waste Management, King Eye Center, Price Pharmacy, IC Heating and Air, JR's Floor Care, and St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Third tier sponsors were Walnut Creek Farm, JR McMillan, SportClips, Blue Cross, East Coast Trailer, Community One, Phidippides, Sportrax, Chick-fil-A, Bema Bouncers, Monster Energy Drink, JR Ritchie Electric, SA Sloop Heating and Air, the YMCA of Rowan County and the United Way.

The event raised money for the YMCA's Invest in Youth Program so that those who cannot afford Y programs can still participate.

Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners. com and wwwrmssports.com.