It was an electric night Friday in downtown China Grove. Threatening clouds, complete with a few rounds of spectacular lightning, finally opened up just before the scheduled 9 a.m. start of the China Grove Main Street Challenge 5K. Lightning in the area caused officials to delay the start for 15 minutes while rain continued to fall and the lightning abated somewhat.
The electricity continued though with unofficially the fastest times ever run in Rowan County for a United States Association of Track and Field certified 5K course.
Two-time Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, a frequent participant in Rowan races, and Caitlin Bullock sizzled with spectacular times as they easily outdistanced the field.
Famiglietti crossed the finish line with a timing of 14 minutes and 19 seconds, breaking the course record by 27 seconds.
Bullock also set a course record for the women with a time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds.
The race was run in a light rain and moderate temperatures which contributed to fast times for other competitors as well.
The race was the Road Runners Club of America North Carolina 2013 5K Championship. Famiglietti and Bullock are North Carolina’s RRCA 5K Champions. The J. Fred Corriher YMCA organized and managed the event.
Major sponsors for the event were Dick’s Sporting Goods,Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the South Rowan Y Service Club and the Town of China Grove.
“This was one of the best events we’ve had, and the weather didn’t seem to dampen spirits at all,” race director Aaron Crowe said. “Our partnership with the Town of China Grove allows this event to happen and is the key to its continued success.
“Our volunteers join with the sponsors to make the event go. It was certainly an electric night.”
Complete results can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org