Upcoming races and other tidbits

May is currently the busiest month of the year for Salisbury and Rowan County racing and I thought it would be a great time to take a closer look at some quality races.
But first, Stuart Perkins was one of two listed Rowan residents who completed the Boston Marathon two weeks ago. With a sub 3 hour marathon already under his belt, Stuart joined over 30,000 others on a slightly warm day for the world’s oldest marathon.

Stuart said, “The 2019 Boston Marathon was a celebration run for me. During my run, I reflected on my accomplishments as a runner, and used the time to appreciate the people of Boston that come out to celebrate their marathon. Kids line the course begging for the runners to high five them as we pass. During the weekend’s events, the people of Boston treat athletes as if we are all elite runners. They make you feel special. We experienced almost every weather condition imaginable during the run. Heat and humidity became a factor about an hour in. The course is extremely difficult and really beats your legs up. My family and I love Boston, this marathon, and are honored to take part in such a prestigious event.” Stuart completed the course in 3 hours and 22 minutes.

The other listed Salisbury runner was Ranse Streng who I was not able to contact.
Now for the races. On Friday, May 3 the Teens with a Mission 5K is a long time well-run event for First Presbyterian Church and uses what has proven to be a fast course and the cooler nighttime temperatures to aid aid quick times. Superheroes magically appear for the fun run and most award winners get special commemorative hammers.

Sunday, May 5 is Salisbury and Rowan’s only current triathlon. The Buck Hurley Triathlon uses the pool for the swim portion, two 5 mile loops for the cycling portion and a very fast out and back 5K on Brenner Avenue. Race director Ester Marsh reports that the early registration numbers are up this year and she expects another competitive race that also is perfect for beginner triathletes. None of the distances are excessive and pool swimming is easier than open water for most people. The triathlon benefits the Y’s scholarship program for those in need.
Friday, May 10 is the 2nd annual Foot Pursuit 5K. Highlights for this one include a new course that uses Main Street to Spencer and back. Awards and the post-race celebration will be in the Trolley Barn and the race has a new style commemorative T-shirt. And just as last year, a prisoner will be released and the police chief and other officers will chase him just as the race starts.

How cool is that? All of this benefits Special Olympics.
Saturday, May 18 is the Ed Dupree Memorial 5K at East Rowan High School. Ed’s daughter, Allison, heads this one up and the race benefits the Ed Dupree Scholarship fund and Hospice. Allison has honored her dad with a quality 5K, lots of good door prizes and memories of the man who promoted running for many years and held runners accountable with statements like, “How’s your running?”

And finally, the Cosmic Bare Bones 5K and Brownie Fun Run is set for May 25 on the certified course that starts at Knox Middle School. Benefitting Relay for Life, one of our oldest races has plenty of new things happening. George Washington will visit Salisbury again, just 228 years since he was here last. It is unclear whether George was a runner. He tried Little Debbie’s Cosmic Brownies a year or so ago and was hooked. Salisbury’s most famous runner, Norton Dorton, will be a first time race director. Ralph Baker Shoes is sponsoring an “ugly shoe” contest. Participants run, walk or volunteer in the ugly shoe and the one chosen ugliest will win a brand new pair. Another new style commemorative shirt can end up in your shirt collection.

All of these courses are fast, so come out and test yourself for these great causes. Walkers are encouraged to attend every race and so are runners of all abilities.
More information and printable race brochures can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org