Race Director Rayna Gardner welcomed the runners and walkers just before starting the Butterball 5K early on Thanksgiving morning. She was already excited with the turnout and said, “Just wanted everyone to know that we have 100 more entrants than last year. This is already a great day.”
One of the fastest growing races in Salisbury’s hotbed of running and racing kicked off to a clear and calm morning around 40 degrees, just perfect for fast times. Brett Howell paced the field Thursday with a finish in 15 minutes and 52 seconds, followed by Bob Marchinko in 16:12 and Garrett West in 17:03.
Top women on the day were Maleah Pinyan at 20 minutes and 13 seconds, Michelle Howell in 20:42 and Rebekah Julian in 20:52. All of these finishers won gas cards.
Runners and walkers had the chance to burn off some calories before heading to Thanksgiving feasts. Salisbury’s Rob Duffy ran the course for the first time and said, “It was a challenging course. That hill on Red Acres Road just keeps going up. This was a great way to get in my run on a wonderful morning.” Martin Thorne echoed the same feelings, “Nice race – lots of smiles all around and plenty of new PR’s (personal records).”
Sponsors for the event were Wilco Hess, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Kellogg’s, Caniche, CCIA, Eller Properties, Literary Bookpost, Fowler Physical Therapy, Summit Developers, town of Landis, Chamberlain Exterminators and Blast-It-All.
Child Abuse Rowan is the recipient of the proceeds from the Butterball 5K. Complete results are available www.salisburyrowanrunners.org