On a picture-perfect day at City Park, Salisbury’s Sonny Ali won his first 5K with a time of 19 minutes and 46 seconds. This was Ali’s fourth try on the unique three-lap course around City Park. He took the lead with less than half a lap remaining and pulled away for the win. Steven Stamper took second in 20:10 and Branson Barber got third in 20:12.

Top female was Alicia Rider of Kernersville as she pulled away for an easy win with a time of 20 minutes and 31 seconds. Second was Leah Cressler in 23:17 and third was Emberleigh Pauley Brown in 25:18.

Lauren Lawrence of Charlotte drove to Salisbury to complete her 37^th 5K race while 40 years old. Lawrence said, “I decided that I wanted to do something different to celebrate being 40 by running 40 5Ks. I brought my three sons today too and they ran the fun run.” Lawrence completed the UMW 5K in 50 minutes flat.

Lawrence’s sons took the top three places of seven competitors in the one-mile fun run. Robert was first in 9 minutes and 36 seconds. Shaun was second in 11:19 and Ronald was third in 11:20.

Race director Laura Shaffer said, “It was certainly a beautiful afternoon for being outside. We are thrilled that the race raised so much money for our local missions. Special thanks to the Salisbury PD and Parks and Recreation and our sponsors. The sponsors included Crescent Construction Services; Dr. John Webb, DDS; Koontz and Smith, Attorneys at Law; Coldstone Creamery; Distinctive Naturescapes; Novant Health; Animal Care Center of Salisbury and Novant Health.”

Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org