For many of the long-time members, we have seen the fall supplant spring as the busiest race time. Nothing exemplifies this like October 2026. Six races for sure, and at press time there is still a possibility of a seventh. The weather has cooled and the humidity is decreasing, so that the running feeling is in the air.

    First, on October third, we had the Faith in Motion 5K for Liberty Community Church, a new race down east and one that was driven by SRR board member and race director Teresa Shaw. She climbed some mountains to make this event happen and it was successful, benefitting the church’s youth group.

    Then we move back across the county to familiar West Rowan territory and the Back Creek Presbyterian Church Harvest 5K and Fun Run on October 10^th that benefits five different charities and a pancake breakfast for all runners that supports Mexico missions. A beautiful and open country course gets this one on the list for most scenic SRR race courses.

     October 17^th is “Do the Double” day with the morning Race to the River 5K and Fun Run from downtown Spencer to the Yadkin River. The last two miles are a very fast, mostly downhill course with a finish overlooking the river. Then runners are shuttled back to the start area for refreshments and awards plus the fun run.

    The afternoon event is the Rotary Fall Crawl 5K and Fun Run, this year held at the Landis Ridge Industrial complex and with proceeds supporting South Rowan area youth. SRR will donate top five overall male and female awards for the Do the Double highest finishers.

     Then we move on to the St. Matthews Lutheran Church 5K and Fun on October 24^th at the church on Stokes Ferry Road. Another rural and scenic course highlights this race, and proceeds benefit several church members and their medical issues.

     The oldest race in October is Sunday, October 25^th at the Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run! It’s at Catawba College on the very popular Greenway course along Grants Creek that will briefly enter the Crescent development. Celebrating the Halloween season, runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in costume and then enter the costume contest for great prizes following the race. Be creative!  Spooky Sprint benefits Rotary projects.

        November has a busy slate as well and the madness continues on into December as fall races continue to increase. Look for three more races and possibly four in November, including the Clean Water 5K, the large Girls on the Run 5K and popular Butterball 5K, and two more in December including SRR’s Santa Run and Freeze Your Buns.

      SRR members timed the busy fall slate of Rowan middle school cross country meets under the direction of Wayne Crowder, but Wayne has addressed his supervision and his road to success in his column this month. Check out the latest from the club’s most famous runners, Crowder and Staley.  

     Early news on Winter Flight 2027 is a February 21^st event due to conflicts with baseball at Catawba! Our friends there gave us available dates, and this one worked best with Salisbury PD. Mark your calendars!

      Success is built on the miles we conquer each day! No longer fast, that doesn’t matter. Find and feel the road, then celebrate your best day, time and again! Simple enough.

    David