A popular race from the past was recreated on Saturday morning at City Park. Race Director Laura Shaffer and First United Methodist Church wanted to let spectators see their friends and family as they ran the Missions 5K. Runners and walkers made three loops around City Lake, bringing back memories of the same course once used as a part of the Mayfest celebration.
Chance Brown got his second overall win with a time of 18 minutes and 45 seconds.
“I have been tired all week from track practice, and hoped that I would run well. It was cool and a good morning to race,” Brown said.
Dr. Acquawon Stallworth was the women’s winner in 23 minutes and 8 seconds. She had been bothered by a hamstring strain this week, and is actively training for the Buck Hurley Triathlon on Sunday, May 6.
“It was a great course, very unique with running the loops. I certainly didn’t expect to win, especially with the week that I have had,” Stallworth said.
John Hoppe completed the 3.1 mile course in 68 minutes and 44 seconds at age 87. Mary Anne Laningham, age 85, followed close behind at 68:46.
Will Koontz nipped Nate Shaffer by a half second to win the 1 mile fun run.
“All the proceeds from today will go to our United Methodist Women’s missions. We support Rowan Helping Ministries, Community Care Clinic, Adopt a School, the battered women’s shelter, and others. We would like to thank everyone who came out to run/walk today and plan to make the Missions 5K an annual event after today’s success,” Shaffer, the race director, said.
Sponsors were Crescent Construction Services, Koontz and Smith attorneys, Busby and Webb Orthodontics, Dr. John Webb, My Farm Fresh Market, Baja Spas, Wayne and Ann Koontz, Steve and Nancy Haines, Margaret Parker, Distinctive Naturescapes, Marie Leonard- Hampton with Wallace Realty and the city of Salisbury.
Timing and results were provided by Salisbury Rowan Runners and complete online results are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org — the club’s website.