Underway too is the Rowan Helping Ministries Walk Club, also in week four when the newsletter is published. We also have a wonderful group participating there while Connie Hoffner, Amanda Lewis, Matthew Weaver lead the class. One of the great pleasures of this class is to share conversation with the RHM clients as we walk. This class will finish on May 1^st.

    Graduates of both BRC and the Walk Club will have free entry into the Chillin’ to the Bare Bones 5K on May 23^rd at Overton School.

   Our first Special Olympics event was held at Catawba College on March 26^th for the older students and adults. This commitment to serve as timers for the track events has been longstanding and is one of the most satisfying annual SRR events of the year. On April 10^th, we will head to West Rowan High School for more of the same as we time the younger students in their track events. Making these SO events happen for SRR so far have been Steve Clark, Amanda Lewis, Lynn Furr, Jason Oliphant, Debra Cress, Tisha Corriher, Joel Whittington and Charleen Allegrezza, all who enthusiastically follow the amazing plan set forth by group leader Wayne Crowder. He told Tisha, “This time, I am not even going to show up till you have it all together!” And that is just what he did! Crowder also added, “I coach them, but at some point, I have to push them out of the nest so that they can learn to fly without relying solely on me.”

    Our only race for the month of April will be the West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K and Fun Run at West Rowan Elementary School in Cleveland on the 18^th. April is typically a very busy racing month, but Easter and other issues made this month much lighter than normal. We will resume the normal busy schedule in May with the Girls on the Run 5K, the China Grove Main Street Challenge 5K, the Ed Dupree 5K and the Chillin’ to the Bare Bones 5K. All have fun runs and details are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

     Our annual sponsorship from Novant Health has been firmed up again for what appears to be 31 races and other events for the rest of 2026. We love highlighting Novant Health on our finish line banner, race day bibs and club trailer that is always used at the finish line of the races. This relationship helps SRR to continue our BRC classes, which have been offered in various locations for over 20 years. 

     Steve Clark will head up the 2026 dragonboat team, this year with the competition scheduled on August 22^nd, several weeks later than in previous years. As always, the participants on this team are reserved for the most active members.

     And finally, returning to Special Olympics, PD Sgt. Adam Bouk will again head up the Special Olympics Torch Run which is open to all SRR members. Held on May 7^th, starting at 10am at The Forum, the run (not a race) will stop at Bell Tower Green briefly to meet the SO athletes and dignitaries, before finishing in Spencer. Sgt. Bouk has assured all participants that the pace will remain at 12 minutes per mile. Participants must purchase a NCLETR shirt to run in for $25, and hats are available for $35. All proceeds go to Special Olympics.

        There is plenty to do, and something for everyone!

     See you on the roads and at the events!

     David