May is going to be busy, this time loaded with good and solid races that have been around a long time. Just before press time, we had the Teens with a Mission 5K and Fun Run Glow Races on the new Overton course that will become a standby for the rest of the summer. First Presbyterian Church youth head for quality mission trips each summer and proceeds support that effort.

    The next morning at Salisbury Community Park, Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont brought their spring celebration event to the park’s cross-country course. Community runners entered for an accurate course and timing provided by SRR, but most of those running were graduates of the 10-12 week GOTR program. About 250 GOTR graduates participated on the cross country course.

      The China Grove Main Street Challenge 5K, with a fun run and tot-trot, are set for Friday evening May 9^th. The popular race is now owned by the Town of China Grove and the first kid’s race will start at 7:15 followed at 8pm by the state’s fastest 5K course. The state record 5K still stands at 14 minutes and 6 seconds, set in 2023 on this out and back course.

     Another popular race is the Ed Dupree 5K at East Rowan High which honors the long-time runner, sportswriter and coach. Proceeds go to the Ed Dupree Scholarship Fund. This is another fast course with the start and finish on the track, sandwiching two laps around a local neighborhood.

     The final race for the month is SRR’s own Chillin’ to the Bare Bones 5K and Fun Run, the second race of the month on the Overton course. Bare Bones benefits Relay for Life and features an exciting appearance by race director and SRR’s most famous runner, Wayne Crowder, who is rumored to be available for photos free of charge after the race. The Landis Creamery will provide ice cream to all participants, volunteers and sponsors. Remember that all races are open to all speeds and abilities, and that walkers are definitely welcome.

       In June, we’ll have the 5K trail race at the Nazareth Fun Fest on June 7^th, followed by Myles for a Mission 5K at Grace Lutheran Church on June 14 and then the always popular Shiloh Missions 5K on June 28^th.

     I have been fortunate to pass 100,000 miles of lifetime running, the final pursuit of which came after last year’s broken back has been incredible among the many prayers and words of encouragement from friends and those who I didn’t know before. The blessings received since the injury have been incredible! Thank you to all those who had some part in this soon to be year long journey back to running. As I have mentioned before, never take anything about your life and running for granted.

        I had a conversation with another club member at the TWAM races about getting to 100,000 miles and that it included many years of running almost every day, racing most Saturdays, long runs on Sunday morning and a second run that followed later that afternoon. Trips to marathons and other running events, including vacations and long weekends built around running were never too far away. Often running two, three and even four times a day with just me or with others was not uncommon. I wouldn’t want to have missed any of it. I hope your own journey and memories matter as much and are enjoyable!

    See you on the roads for as long as I can.

    David