Steady showers persisted through the morning hours but only a light drizzle fell later Saturday on the runners and walkers at the Centenary Methodist Church Run for Food 5K and Fun Run.
The church used the event as a fundraiser to further efforts in packaging food for Kids Against Hunger.
Last year, Centenary and other area churches packaged more than 50,000 meals and shipped them overseas. This year, organizers hope to reach a higher goal of 100,000 meals during a packaging session on April 13.
Kurtis Reed paced the field with a time of 20 minutes and 17 seconds. The top female was Crystal Karriker at 21 minutes and 39 seconds. R.P. Bostian blistered the fun run with a half-mile time of 4 minutes and 24 seconds.
“We worried about the heavy rain predictions all week. Things turned out better than I could have expected,” Race Director Carla Kluttz said. “It was the best rainy Saturday that I can remember, with 80 percent of our registered runners showing up despite the rain. Each race participant pays for 133 meals. Thanks to all the volunteers and the West Rowan Fire Department for helping to make it a great day. We are already thinking about how to improve the event for next year.”
Sponsors included Restoration Plus, Dr. Don Fortner, Hoffner Farms, McLaughlin’s Farmhouse, EF Belk and Son, SMR Core and Metal, Planet Playschool and A&M Service and Repair.
Complete results are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.