Race time temperatures in the low 30s and little wind helped individual times on Saturday morning at the 5K held by the United Methodist Women of First Methodist Church in Salisbury. But it made standing around tough for spectators.
Adam Cornelius of Rockwell cruised the three-loop course around City Park in 17 minutes and 44 seconds to win.
“I love this course because the one hill seems short and the downhill and flat on each loop made for a fast race for me,” he said. “This was just seven seconds off my personal best and I feel like I am getting back into good race shape.”
Chance Brown finished second in 18:11 and Martin Thorne was third in 18:20.
Trudy Gale of Salisbury won the women’s race in 23 minutes and 54 seconds. Gale is also rounding back into shape after knee surgery. Runner-up female was Christie Sparger in 25:04 and Lyndy Buffet was third at 25:53.
The one mile fun run winner was Lacey Mastro in 11 minutes and 20 seconds.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors, the Salisbury Police and Fire Departments, and Parks and Recreation for all their help today,” Race director Laura Shaffer said. “The United Methodist Women are very thankful to all the runners and walkers who came out and supported this fundraiser for mission work today. Next year, we want to order warmer weather.”
Sponsors for the event were Crescent Construction Services, Novant Health, Dr. John C. Webb, Koontz and Smith attorneys, Distinctive Nature Scapes, Steve and Nancy Haines, The Animal Care Center of Salisbury, Longhorn Steakhouse and Restoration Plus Services. Complete results are online at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
The J.F. Hurley YMCA will be the host for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 8. The event is organized by the Salisbury Fire Department. Proceeds go toward restoration of Aerial One, the 1947 ladder truck that will soon be seen on Salisbury streets again.
Fire Chief Bob Parnell reported on the recent progress of the restoration.
“The entire drive train is under refurbishment,” Parnell said, “The engine is in Charlotte being rebuilt. The engine is also undergoing a deep cleaning, including cleaning the rust found inside the engine compartment. The transmission has been taken apart, and we found gears worn, but not in need of replacement. The engine and transmission are being re-lubricated. The rear end was checked out and found to be in good shape. It just needed an oil change. The alternator and generator have been rebuilt, and the radiator was cleaned and repaired. The ignition system and wiring have been replaced and the firewall has been finished and painted.”
The truck won’t be at this year’s 5K, but plans are to have it return next year.
“We have approached this project in a manner to have the truck last another 75 years, thus the work that we are having done is arduous now,” Parnell said. “We want it all done fully, the right way. When Aerial One is completed, it will be a jewel.”
Sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K include the Salisbury Rowan Runners, Novant Health, J.F. Hurley YMCA, Vac and Dash of Albemarle, Mary Kaye Cosmetics, ESI Security and Creative Graphics.
Participants in the St. Patrick’s Day 5K will receive a short-sleeve dri-fit shirt and will be eligible for awards in 14 age groups for both male and female.
Special awards go to the top three male and female overall, and the top three male and female masters runners.
Race day registration will be from 7:45 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. at the JF Hurley YMCA. Start time for the 5K is 9 a.m.
Online registration continues with www.sportoften.com A printable brochure and more information are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Email tsmit@salisburync.gov with additional questions.