Saturday’s bright sunny morning was a pleasant change for area runners. After weeks of cold, wind and precipitation for local races, a record number of runners and walkers enjoyed a beautiful late winter morning for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. The Salisbury Fire Department presented the event in conjunction with the Salisbury Rowan Runners.
The anticipated highlight of Salisbury firefighters running in their turnout gear materialized in a big way. Zach Grimes and other firefighters wore the heavy clothes and carried a tool apiece along the 3.1 mile course. The 1941 American LaFrance ladder truck, formerly used by the Salisbury Fire Department and now undergoing restoration, was on display for the first time. All proceeds for the event will be used to further that restoration.
Race Director and Fire Marshal Terry Smith said he was pleased with the turnout for the fifth annual event. “We got great weather, built up our number of participants, got to display the ladder truck and had a great time. I’m grateful that the Hurley Y allowed us to use the facility again.”
Fire Chief Bob Parnell echoed Smith’s words and added, “We have a fine partnership with the runners club and this race is an example of how well it works. I couldn’t be happier with the result today.”
Anthony Nero was the overall winner in 17 minutes and 46 seconds. Christina Barrett was the top female in 20 minutes and 37 seconds. Top male masters (age 40 and over) was Richard Ellis in 21:14. Leading the female masters was Acquawon Stallworth in 22:36.
Salisbury’s April Marshall said, “It seemed like we were all family members out there today in such a unique environment. Everyone was a hero today!”
Sponsors for the event included Rowan Regional Medical Center, Rowan Urgent Care, City of Sallisbury, JF Hurley YMCA, Crossfit Rowan, Creative Graphics, Bath Tech, Hudson Construction, attorney John Basinger, ESI Security and the Salisbury Fire Department Auxiliary.
Complete results are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org