SRR has a very busy fall race schedule. Some new races and some older, but plenty of reasons to attend the ones coming up soon. It is the race director’s job to make their event interesting and unusual, and to show why the proceeds raised will matter. Our September races are all unique, especially after some adjustment to make them that way. Here is what’s coming up!

    The Hugh Bost Memorial 5K and Fun Run on September 7^th in Rockwell is a new race and it’s been quite a while since the last races held there to benefit little league baseball. Proceeds go toward Rowan County Canine Law Enforcement while the race honors the long time Rockwell police chief. The course leaves Rockwell Park and passes through downtown and then turns back toward the park, a big loop course.

    Then we move to Landis on September 14^th for the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run. This is a super-fast course without a hill, so here is a chance to run for a PR. New this year, and a first for our area, is that race organizers wanted the best possible law enforcement on hand. Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife will drive in from Mayberry on the morning of the race to take control of the race start. Should things go as well as they hope, the famous duo will stay around for photos. All proceeds benefit the Bible teachers in six South Rowan Schools, positions that are unfunded by the state.

     Then our last race in September is the Race to the River 5K and Fun Run. On the morning of September 21^st is the 9am start time, a first for the three-year-old race in Spencer. Previously a late afternoon race, the morning cooler temperatures bring a great chance for a 5K PR. Mile one is rolling, but miles 2 and 3 are fast downhill to the finish on the Wilcox bridge. The fun run is on the bridge, out and back. The R2R race proceeds go to Rowan Creek Week.

     September is an exciting month for quality races. October 5th starts us off with another new race, the Back Creek Church Harvest Run 5K and Fun Run. This one benefits church missions, has a fast rural course and a pancake breakfast. SRR’s Brittany Chester is the veteran race director, guaranteeing a well-run event.

    The Fall Beginning Runners Class kicks off on Thursday, September 5^th. We meet at 6pm at the Salisbury Police Department at the corner of Lee and Liberty Streets. As always, any SRR member in good standing can participate in the class for free. BRC beginners can take the class for $65, which includes a training shirt, a graduation race at the end of class and membership in SRR for one year.

    Teresa Shaw is SRR’s newest board member and is taking over social media for the club. She is also working on Winter Flight sponsors as are all of the current board members. If you know of any person or business who might be interested, let me know and I will share all the details of sponsorship. The Forum is the new title sponsor for the race.

    SRR has donated $100 to each of the Rowan County high school cross country teams. One of the purest sports, high school cross country is always interesting and often surprising.

   Here is what running does to lives. It’s not just exercise. It’s not just achievement. It’s a daily discipline that has nothing to do with speed, weight, social status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, where you live, what car you drive, or whether anyone anywhere loves you. It’s about the slow and painful process of being the best you can be.

    See you on the roads!

David