I have lived here for 16 years and I’m still amazed at the beauty of Rowan County.

I know that there are still many places I have not even discovered yet but I am glad I discovered Salisbury Community Park off Hurley School Road.

If you have not been there yet, I advise you to check it out. Not only does it have soccer and baseball fields, a lake to fish in and nice restroom facilities, it also has amazing, very well taken care of trails.

You know I am all for a healthy lifestyle, and walking, running and bicycling are some great hobbies that will enhance your health.

The Department of Parks and Recreation puts in lots of effort to keep this place looking beautiful.

I really didn’t realize what we had until we started practicing there with our Youth Cross Country team a few years back. There are lots of different options: You can walk, run or mountain bike. Besides having practices there with our YMCA Warriors, my husband Kevin and I love to go for our longer runs there and each time I am amazed how beautiful it is.

Last fall, we had our first AAU Sanctioned Youth Cross Country meet there which was very well received by many Youth XC teams across the state. Many adults asked us if they could participate. Since it was youth up to 18 years of age only, we decided to host a 5K trail run which is this Saturday, April 6 for all ages. And not just for runners, walkers are welcome too. The half-mile Fun Run will start at 9 a.m., and each participant will receive a medal, Dri-Fit t-shirt and goodie bag. This run will be followed by the Warrior Way 5K at 10 a.m. All runners and walkers will receive a Dri-Fit T-shirt and goodie bag. Top 3 male overall and female overall and top 3 in each age group will receive a medal. This will be our 1st Annual Warrior Way 5K on a course which my husband put together that includes the prettiest trails at Salisbury Community Park. I believe all runners and walkers will enjoy this new course.

All funds raised will go towards our YMCA Warriors Youth Track athletes and parents to offset the cost for Junior Olympics and club championships.

There will be a bake sale and Wendy’s chili for after the race. We couldn’t do this without our sponsors throughout the community. We want to thank Dr. Acquawon Stallworth from the Salisbury Medical Clinic, Lazy 5 Vet , Rocky Morsch from the Techno Gym Wellness Co. , Crescent Construction Co., Rowan Regional Medical Center, Wendy’s, Napa the Benton Part Co, Busby & Webb Orthodontics, Go Burrito, Trexler Trucking Co. , Ketner & Dees Asso., Salisbury Parks & Rec, Salisbury Rowan Runners, Vac’n Dash and all other smaller sponsors. Thank you and I hope to see many of you this Saturday.

Ester H Marsh ACSM Cpt