On a perfect morning for a race, more than 200 runners came to Salisbury to run the third annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K.
Temperatures in the 40s, with a light wind made for some fast times. The Salisbury Fire Department used the race as a fundraiser to continue restoring a 1941 American LaFrance ladder truck. Race activities were held at the JF Hurley YMCA.
Race director Terry Smith was amazed that the race grew by 70 runners since last year. Smith said, “I am very happy with the great turnout, and there were lots of quality runners here. I just appreciate everyone coming to Salisbury. The interest was way up this year. We hope to continue that trend.”
Overall winner was Matt Rowell of Greensboro. He had moved to Greensboro from Arizona three years ago, and recently ran competitively for Queens University in Charlotte. Rowell said “I’ll look for more races in Salisbury. I’ve had fun. The course is good and so was the competition. The course was well marked too, and very safe. Rowell, in a true show of sportsmanship, was a gracious winner, congratulating other finishers long after he won the race. His time was 15 minutes and 41 seconds.
Women’s winner was Dr. Delaine Fowler of Spencer. Her race was hotly contested with only 3 seconds separating Fowler and Sheryl Cline. Fowler led from start to finish, but felt the second-place finisher closing near the end. She said, “I was really pumped to be here with so many people wanting to do something good for themselves. I was out there with a bunch of my heroes. The firemen and policemen kept us safe like they always do. Then there were all the people who wanted to try something new and run a 5K, and those parents who ran with their kids. There was Margaret Haggerty, soon to be 88 years old, still out there plugging away. She is definitely my hero. I hope to be her when I am 88 years old. It was amazing how much positive energy was here today. The friends and volunteers who got up early to watch people run just made my day.”
Sponsors for the event were Sportrax, Vac and Dash of Albemarle, the City of Salisbury, Food Lion, and Harris Teeter. Timing was provided by the Salisbury Rowan Runners.
Age group winner Jordan Leahy liked the loop course. “We didn’t have to turn around and run back. Impressive work by the Fire Department and Police Department. It was just a great day for a race!” That sentiment was shared by many.
Complete results can be found at http://www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.