West Rowan High School hosted the 5th Annual Tom Cowden 5K at Sloan Park on Sunday afternoon and two area runners got easy wins.
The 5K Run/Walk honored Tom Cowden, who battled brain cancer until he lost the fight at age 15. Following his death, the Tom Cowden 5K race committee has picked a local family in need for help with the proceeds raised from the event. This year those proceeds offset some of the medical expenses of Brooklynn Parker, a toddler who has already experienced open-heart surgery and other problems.
Gil Gilreath was the overall winner with a time of 16 minutes and 51 seconds. Chance Brown was second in 19:32, and Alex Freeze was third in 19:52. Melissa Orr easily paced the women with a time of 21 minutes and 15 seconds. Angie Ramos was second with a time of 29:03, and Tammie Gillespie was third in 30:08. Andrew Miller topped the fun run in 3 minutes and 29 seconds.
“We could not do this without the community’s support,” race director Brittany Chester said. “It was a great day of running, supporting and caring within our community.”
Principal sponsors were Novant Health, Aisle Pawn Shop, Alexander Zachary Jewelers, Johnny Moore Farm, Kepley’s Rigging and Towing, Barry Michaels CPA, Lazy 5 Vets, Lazy 5 Ranch, Mary L Farm, IGA of Cleveland, and Godley’s Garden Center. The Cowden 5K had more than 30 sponsors in all.
Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .