By David Freeze

For the Salisbury Post

There are two 5Ks this week available for local runners and walkers. On Thursday evening, the Salisbury Cross Country Series 5K will kick off a busy week. The cross country 5K run/walk will benefit the Catawba College Cross Country team and will use the same course that the college uses for its own home events.

Start time for the cross country 5K is 7 p.m. A quarter-mile free fun run for kids, 12 and under, will also be held at 6:30 p.m. All participants will get a running towel and lots of food and refreshments following the running events. Food for the after party will be provided by Mr. Cone and Brian’s Grill.

Ralph Baker Shoes is the title sponsor for the Catawba Cross Country Series. The second and third events of the series will be held on July 16 and Aug. 6. Other sponsors include the City of Salisbury, Novant Health and the Salisbury Rowan Runners.

For more information, contact Race Director Jason Bryan at jpbryan14@catawba.edu

The Shiloh 5K Mission Run will be held in Faith on Saturday and will help kick off the Faith Fourth of July activities. The 5K will start at 8 a.m. at the Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith. A half-mile fun run will be held at 8:50 a.m.

All participants will get a unique and commemorative Dri-Fit shirt. Awards will be presented in 13 age groups for both males and females. Plenty of refreshments will follow both events.

Sponsors for the Shiloh Mission 5K include Harrell Enterprises, Novant Health, F&M Bank, Cheerwine and Salcoa Contracting. Contact Luann Fesperman for more information at 704-202-0344.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in both events. Online registration is available for both at www.sportoften.com Printable race brochures are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org