More than 300 runners and walkers crossed the finish line Thursday morning at the Forum’s Butterball 5K, more than 100 ahead of last year’s event. The participants warmed up under sunny skies, just before a surprise rain shower hit the area seconds after the race started. The rain didn’t dampen spirits at all as proceeds from the race benefit Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and the Terrie Hess House.

Brett Howell paced the field with a time of 16 minutes and 18 seconds . Second was Chase Fisher in 17:26, followed closely by Adam Cornelius in 17:36.

Top female with a clocking of 19 minutes and 34 seconds was Sierra Zemanick , followed by Kelly Lowman in 20:38 and Mary Rosser in 21:04.

Unique to the Butterball 5K is the Wilco Hess sponsorship of gas cards to the top three males and females. Lowman and husband Michael arrived at the Forum with their gas gauge on empty. She told him, “Let’s just wait and see how things go. We might be able to fill up.” Lowman won a $200 gift card.

“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout for our Seventh Annual 2014 Butterball 5K, our largest participation yet!” Race Director Rayna Gardner said. “The way the community comes out for Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and the Terrie Hess House is truly touching. We thank our sponsors, the Salisbury Police Department, the Salisbury Rowan Runners and all our volunteers!”

Sponsors for the Butterball 5K in addition to Wilco Hess are Novant Health, Blast It All, the Lettered Lilly, Shulenberger Surveying, town of Landis, MG Lounge, Ralph Baker Shoes, First Bank, Fowler Physical Therapy, Salisbury Motor Co., Dr. Fortner, Food Lion, F&M Bank and Eller Properties.

Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org