The Unity Presbyterian Church Tomato Festival kicked off on Friday evening with the usual rain storm, complete with lightning and thunder. Just like last year, a big storm passed through and then cleared out just in time for the start of the race.
Temperatures cooled dramatically with the passage of the storm, even though a good dose of humidity remained.
Zach Marchinko was the overall winner with a time of 17 minutes and 2 seconds, followed closely by his dad and Carson High coach, Bob Marchinko, with a time of 17:21. Alejandro Arreola finished third in 17:52.
Madison Goode was the top female with a time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds. Becky Sheumann took second in 21:05 and Sarah Goodnight placed third in 21:34.
Carson High School won the Tomato Cup for the top team award.
The 5K is the kickoff for this year’s annual Tomato Festival, planned this year as a week-long event. All participants were eligible for special commemorative pottery awards, shirts and tomato sandwiches.
Race director Patti Safrit said afterwards, “The Trot keeps getting better and better, and when runners tell us it is one of the best, then we are heading in the right direction. But we will keep working to make the race more enjoyable for the runners. Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers.”
Title sponsor for the event was Martin Marietta of Woodleaf. Other sponsors were Novant Health, ISSI and Cleveland Drug.
Complete results can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org