President’s Message

president
  Our events have been completed for May already, so I am writing this on the evening of the just
completed Cathy Griffin Chillin’ to the Bare Bones 5K and Fun Run. There was a lot to be proud of this
year, with the best registration in recent years even though high school graduations were on tap for the
same morning. More on this event will follow in race director’s Wayne Crowder’s Grizzled Veteran’s
column.
There are only two events for the month of June on SRR’s calendar as we head into summer’s lesser
activity. First on the schedule is the Myles for a Mission 5K at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday, June
13. Myles Davis Pope lost his life in a drowning accident, and all funds raised will go to help pay for
survival swim training for kids. The South Rowan YMCA will be on hand to answer questions and to sign
up kids. Cash prizes will be awarded for overall and masters winners.
Then we move to Faith for the Shiloh Run for Missions 5K at Shiloh Reformed Church on June 27 th at
8am. With the early Saturday morning start, the race will be the first event of the Faith Fourth of July
Celebration for the day. All proceeds go to fund church mission trips. SRR Treasurer Luann Fesperman is
the race director and she has asked, “Come and help us celebrate the hill! Twice!”
At present, the club’s only event for July is the Run for the Greenway 5K on July 18 th at Overton
Elementary School. Senior club VP and future president Steve Clark is the race director. SRR will partner
with Salisbury Parks and Recreation for this race. Proceeds go for funding the Salisbury Greenway. A
best-case scenario will involve the planned Knox Middle School track again used for this race next year.
As the new Knox Intermediate School nears completion, work should begin soon on the state-of-the-art
competition track that will be located at the school. Catawba College, the Salisbury Rowan School
System and the community will share the new track for events beginning sometime in 2026. Latest
information that I have received indicates that the track would likely be available in the second half of
2027. Should this happen, several of our 5K races would revert to using the track for both start and
finish once completed.
It is likely that the club will host another SRR Prediction 5K Run in August. More details will be
available later but expect nice refreshments, some giveaways, a place for new members to join and a
fun concept. If you are new to the concept, no watches or timekeeping devices allowed, and you have to
run close to your predicted pace to win quality prizes.
I am asking all club members to consider donating their used running shoes to Rowan Helping
Ministries. Easiest and best for our records is to make these donations at upcoming races by just putting
them in the van. SRR began donating shoes many years ago but has increased the effort with the success
of the Rowan Helping Ministries Walk Club that are held in both the spring and the fall. There is a
Salisbury Post article in the works soon describing the link between the RHM Walk Club (headed by SRR)
and our members, highlighted by one special connection. If you have shoes, call or text me and we will
figure out how to get them. 704-310-6741.
Summer is just around the corner! Challenge yourself, see new places, try something you are
uncomfortable with and most importantly, have fun!!
See you on the roads!!

Upcoming Calendar Events

Events in May 2026

  • - Girls on the Run 5K
    Girls on the Run 5K
  • - SRR Walk Club at Rowan Helping Ministries
    SRR Walk Club at Rowan Helping Ministries
  • - Special Olympics Torch Run & BBQ Plate Sale with Salisbury Police Department
    Special Olympics Torch Run & BBQ Plate Sale with Salisbury Police Department
  • - China Grove Main Street Challenge
    China Grove Main Street Challenge
  • - Ed Dupree 5K
    Ed Dupree 5K
  • - Chillin' to the Bare Bones 5K presented by Cathy Griffin Century 21 Towne & Country
    Chillin' to the Bare Bones 5K presented by Cathy Griffin Century 21 Towne & Country

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