2001-2002 – Times of Uncertainty and Changes

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  • The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, had an impact on sponsorship monies for Winter Flight 2002.  The uncertainties of the economy and talk of a recession kept several long-time Winter Flight sponsors from participating as a financial sponsor of WF 2002.  Even the bulk of the monies committed by WF 2002’s title sponsor, the N.C. Army National Guard, had to be cut in order to help provide the resources to combat the new war on terrorism.
  • A new course had to be certified for Winter Flight 2002 due to renovations of Shuford Stadium at Catawba College.  The new course started and ended in front of the gym entrance.
  • A helicopter circling the race day site and holding club president David Freeze and club member Nancy Brandt started the day’s events for a very patriotic Winter Flight 2002. In addition, “perfect running weather” greeted the total of 473 participants from five different states who turned out to run the new 8K  course. 42 ran in the one-mile fun run.  American flags lined the finish line.  As in the previous year, N.C. Army National Guardsmen were highly visible, providing much of the manpower for registration, traffic control and the finish line.  Static displays of military equipment delighted old and young alike.  The American Red Cross supplied water, fruit and snacks.  Greensboro’s Brian St. Onge, 25, was overall winner of the 8K with a time of 24:16, the closest time ever, short of breaking the race record.  Durham’s Missy Foy, 37, was first overall female with a time of 29:38.  The top Rowan County (and SRR) finishers were Robert Miller, 29, finishing 3rd overall (26:45) and Trudy Gale, 43, second masters (35:21). Prizes were also awarded to the top 3 finishers (under age 12) in the fun run.  Club member, Adam Pannabecker, age 11, placed second with a time of 6:35. The event brought in over $3,000 with donations going to the New York City Trade Center Relief Fund, Rowan Special Olympics, the American Red Cross and the Rowan Amateur Radio Society.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Events in October 2026

  • - Liberty Community Church 5K / Fun Run
    Liberty Community Church 5K / Fun Run
  • - Back Creek Presbyterian Church Harvest Run 5K
    Back Creek Presbyterian Church Harvest Run 5K
  • - China Grove Rotary Fall Crawl and 1/2-Mile Fun Run
    China Grove Rotary Fall Crawl and 1/2-Mile Fun Run
  • - St. Matthew's 5K
    St. Matthew's 5K
  • - Patterson Farm 5K
    Patterson Farm 5K

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