September happenings worth checking out

I don’t normally focus exclusively on upcoming events. But September is full of running events happening soon, some either new or with changes onboard. Early September will be an exciting month both in Salisbury and nearby. All of these events are open to runners and walkers of all abilities.

The first event, set for September 1st, is the United Way Sunrise 5K. Formerly the Sunset 5K, organizers moved the event to the morning for an early 7am start this year. The usual course will start at the library and quickly proceed through the historic district and back on Fulton Street to a finish again at the library. Proceeds benefit United Way programs. See Salisbury on an early summer morning and then have refreshments with your morning exercise complete.

Back again is the popular Beginning Runners Class that will be held at the Civic Center and as usual is sponsored by Novant Health, Salisbury Parks and Recreation and Salisbury Rowan Runners. This fall class will consist of eight meetings, all at 6pm and on Thursdays starting on September 6th. The first half hour each evening is classroom instruction on topics such as shoes and equipment, nutrition, injury prevention, running form and stretching and strengthening. Cost is $65 which includes the class, membership in SRR for a year, entry into a local 5K and a dri-fit training t-shirt. Running/ walking distance that first night is just a half mile and all participants will progress towards completing 3.1 miles on graduation night. One lucky participant will get to ride along on one of my upcoming long-distance bike rides. Watch for the sign-up sheet.

The next event is one of the most unique in Salisbury. On September 8th, the VA Hero 5K is in its 4th year and as always will honor veterans while benefitting VA employee programs. It is a chance for runners to learn a little more about the VA campus as the course runs a double loop solely on VA property. We have used the VA campus for multiple beginning runners classes and club meetings in the past. This year’s 5K specifically honors Marine Corps veterans and provides funding for VA Employee Assistance programs. Come out and thank the many veterans that you’ll see that day and enter the great door prize drawings.

On September 16th, a race with local ties will be held in Mooresville. The T’man’s 5K honors the memory of Tristan Hobbs and brings a focus on suicide awareness. Hobbs was well known in Rowan County and has many family members and friends in the area. This race will be held at Mooresville High School.

The Clean Water 5K is on tap next at Grace Lutheran Church on Miller Road. This race was moved from November last year and hopes to take advantage of nice September weather on the 22nd. The proceeds go to the ELCA Global Clean Water Ministry. In a first locally, all participants get free and hot hushpuppies after the race.
September has long been a very busy month in running and racing. There are plenty of choices here to get involved. Did you hear the one about the lady who inquired about the beginning runners class? She said, “I would love to take that class because I need to get active again and I’ve always wanted to learn the specifics about running. I like that its in a group setting too. Sounds like fun, but I have a problem.” I answered, “What is the problem, how can I help you?” She continued, “Well, my husband doesn’t exercise and he wants me at home with him in the evening. We would watch TV instead of going to the class.”

I see three solutions.

Stay at home, sit, eat and watch Wheel of Fortune. Get your exercise by watching sports on the late news.
Go to the class and take your husband with you. Lose weight, lower your blood pressure, change your lifestyle.
Go to the class alone, then come home and tell your husband how much fun you had and what you learned. Ask him again to go next week or take a friend.
Either way, just go and take the leap! The fall class usually has great weather and a good crowd of interesting people. For this and more information about any of the other events listed, just go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or call 704-310-6741.