Sunrise Run 5K to benefit Rowan County United Way

Published 12:00 am Sunday, August 19, 2018

Rowan County United Way’s Sunrise Run is set for Saturday, Sept. 1, with an opportunity for early morning runners and walkers to follow a picturesque route through the historic downtown Salisbury area.

The Sunrise Run includes a 5K run/walk for all ages and a separate children’s half-mile fun course, with proceeds going to United Way. Since 2015, Innospec Performance Chemicals has been the title sponsor for this community event.

“Rowan County United Way is about community, and this event brings us together in the interest of health and a better quality of life,” said John Struzick, chairman for this year’s United Way fundraising campaign. “I encourage people of all ages and abilities to come out and enjoy the fellowship. You can proceed through the route in your own way, at your own pace. We’ll all have a great time, for a great cause.”

The event will begin at 7 a.m., with race day registration available from 6 to 6:45 at Rowan Public Library, 201 W. Fisher St. Early registration is available through Aug. 31 at www.sportoften.com. Entry fee for the 5K is $25 for pre-registered participants and $30 on race day. Fee for the kids’ half-mile fun run is $10 for either early or race day registration.

Awards will be presented for overall male and female participants, with additional awards in the following age groups: 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 and over. The Salisbury-Rowan Runners Club will score and time the event. High-quality performance running shirts will be available for pre-registered runners and to race day registrants while supplies last.

Along with title sponsor Innospec, other sponsors for the event include Novant Health, the city of Salisbury, Cheerwine, Chick-fil-A and the Salisbury-Rowan Runners. The Salisbury police, fire and utility departments also are providing their services.

Since 1956, Rowan County United Way has supported human service agencies by organizing and facilitating annual fundraising events. Rowan County United Way serves agencies including Rowan County Literacy Council, The Arc/Rowan, Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Boy Scouts (Central NC Council), Communities in Schools of Rowan County, Rowan County YMCA, Rowan County Youth Services Bureau, American Red Cross, Rowan County Rescue Squad, The Salvation Army, Trinity Living Center, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, Families First Inc., Family Crisis Council and Smart Start Rowan. In addition, United Way serves two partner agencies, Jobs for Life and Capstone Recovery Center.

For more information, visit www.rowanunitedway.org, and follow the United Way on Facebook.