By David Freeze

For the Salisbury Post

Due to weather issues, local runners and walkers will have two 5Ks to choose from this coming weekend. First up is the VAEA 5K at the VA Medical Center on Saturday. Start time for the 5K is 9 a.m., with a kids’ fun run at 9:50 a.m. Both races will be entirely on the VA campus. Participants will have a coned area to run/walk and will be separated from traffic throughout both races.

The Veterans Administration Employee Association presents the 5K and fun run to honor America’s veteran heroes for their sacrifices to preserve our country’s freedom. Participants in hero costumes will be eligible for several special door prizes that include items from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kurt Bush, the Biltmore House and the Whitewater Center.

Military vehicles will be on display, and the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard will be on hand. Major sponsors include title sponsor Premier Federal Credit Union, along with Odell International, Carroll Fisher Construction, Tar Heel Communications, Party Rentals Plus, Curiosities Gifts and Summersett Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Awards will be presented to the overall winners and to the top three in 13 age groups. All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt, while shirts will be available on race day as long as they last. All fun runners will get a medal. All award winners will get special commemorative dog tag medals.

Registration is available before both races on Saturday. Contact Sharon Censi at 704-638-9000, extension 3300, for more information.

The Nazareth Children’s Home Trail 5K Run/Walk will be held at the home on Sunday at 2 p.m. A fun run will be held for kids at 2:50 p.m. The entire 5K will be held on trails at the East Rowan YMCA. This event was originally scheduled for Sept. 25 but was postponed due to rainy weather. Race day registration will be available.

All 5K participants will receive a long-sleeve commemorative Dri-fit shirt and refreshments following the event. A cookout for all runners and walkers will follow the 5K and fun run. Door prizes will also be given out.

Awards and cash prizes will go to the top three male and female overall winners. Top three age group awards will be given in 13 age groups. Top three in the fun run will get awards, and all participants will get a T-shirt.

Both races will be timed by the Salisbury Rowan Runners. More information is available by calling 704-310-6741. Printable race brochures are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Registration for both races is available all week at www.sportoften.com.