The Main Street 5K is SRR’s only race for June this year but there’s a chance of a prediction run for later in the month. Look for an announcement soon. We do have two strong races ahead in July, long- term quality races with the Shiloh Missions 5K and the Greenway 5K. August doesn’t have a race either, but we’ll get busy in September.

    Luann Fesperman heads up the Shiloh Missions 5K on July 1^st as part of the Faith Fourth of July Celebration. The course is unique locally in that it is a full two loop circuit that allows for plenty of opportunities to see runners and walkers more than once during the race. Known for strong door prizes, the race is supported by the town of Faith and proceeds are used for Shiloh Church’s mission projects.

    Steve Clark has been the long-time race director for the Run for the Greenway 5K, but he may face some unique challenges this year. Knox Middle School, which hosts the race, will likely be undergoing some sort of construction by July 15^th, but Clark reports, “I’ve got a plan in place, we can still find the distance for the accurate 5K even if the track is not available this year. And most importantly, I will have plenty of food available afterwards. Years ago, I set the course record for fastest race director and am considering doing that again. I’m sure I still can!!”

    Our lunch serving at Rowan Helping Ministries has ramped up a bit. Paced by Matthew Weaver’s effort, we now are occasionally helping to serve the dinner meal. If you have time, we need you. The rewards are many during this special effort. SRR members have been serving regularly for about 38 months now.

    SRR members Adalie Harrison, Adam Bouk, Jesse Drakeford, Joe Martinez, Patrick Smith and a host of other law enforcement personnel participated in the annual Torch Run for Special Olympics on May 16^th. Most ran from south Salisbury to Spencer, a distance of about 5.5 miles. A few continued on to the Yadkin River before passing the torch on to the next group from Davidson County. Rowan’s contingent got the torch from Cabarrus County as it continued its trek across the state.

    Concerning me is a recent propensity for cheating at races and other bad behavior at national events. Cheating by race bandits at Boston caused a shortage of finisher medals. Instead of earning their race spots, cheaters recreated the race bibs, swapped bibs or ran without one. Cutting the course, then still crossing the finish line happened too. In even worse international news, a mob overwhelmed volunteers at the finish line of the Toronto Marathon to steal water and snacks intended for the finishers. Yes, cheating and bad behavior has been around for as long as sport has existed, but I still like to think that local running and racing are above this, especially with the charities intended as the recipients of proceeds. Selfishness and callous behavior have no place in our sport locally.

    See you on the roads and at SRR events!

David