By David Freeze
for the Salisbury Post
Santa Claus arrived just in time at the Millbridge Ruritan building to give a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” and provide the official start to the Santa’s Run for Charity 5K on Saturday morning. About 150 runners ran the Wallace and Graham 5K and half-mile fun run under clear, windless skies.
Proceeds for the event go to Rowan Helping Ministries West and the Youth Services Bureau. Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Foster told the crowd, “This race has been in the area for nearly two decades, but please remember that we appreciate each and every one of you for coming today. You are making a huge difference.” Foster then ran the race, and completed her first 5K.
Jean Hargett of Mooresville won the women’s event with a time of 21 minutes and 16 seconds, followed closely by Kelly Lowman of Faith in 21:21 and Meredith Abramson of Salisbury, 21:22. Abramson said, “Kelly and I were running together, then Jean passed us about halfway and we couldn’t catch her. She is a very good runner, and we were particularly surprised that she is 54 years old.”
Adam Cornelius of Rockwell was the men’s overall winner in a time of 17:40, easily outdistancing his nearest rival. Emma Meacham won the fun run in 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
Primary sponsors for the event were the law offices of Wallace and Graham, the Millbridge Ruritans, ReMax Town and Country, Rowan Family Physicians, Stout Heating and Air Conditioning and Gay’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Race directors for the event were Hunter Latimer and Rob Holmes. Holmes said “We had almost twice as many finishers as we did last year. It was a perfect day. Rowan Helping Ministries and the Youth Services Bureau are the big winners, but so are we for being part of such a rewarding event. Thanks to all the participants, volunteers and to Locke Fire Department for taking care of the course.”
Timing and results were provided by the Salisbury Rowan Runners. Complete results are online at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org