By David Freeze

For the Salisbury Post

The streets of China Grove will come alive at 11:59 tonight as the 2Day 5K runs through downtown.

The inaugural race was the brainchild of Rebecca Shopf and Angie Chrismon, athletic directors at Carson High School and South Rowan High School.

“Working with South Rowan was a natural fit because our communities are so close and we share the same sponsors,” said Shopf. “Some parents and I brainstormed fundraising ideas for the athletic department and this race was the result.”

Midnight madness kicks off just in time to have the only two-day 5K in the area because the runners and walkers will finish the 5K course early Sunday morning.

All participants get a commemorative dri-fit shirt as long as supplies last and a chance to win overall and age group awards.

The course will be an out and back route on Main Street, finishing near the China Grove Fire and Police Department. Refreshments will be available after the race.

Money raised will help offset some of the expenses incurred by the combined 36 varsity and 16 junior varsity teams at the two schools. More than 400 student athletes participate on these teams.

Sponsors for the 2Day 5K include the town of China Grove, Novant Health, Food Lion, St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Gary’s BBQ, and K-Town Trophies and Awards. Timing and results will be provided by the Salisbury-Rowan Runners.

“We’ve had a great response from runners this year, and we hope the race will draw more runners and sponsors in years to come and make it a fun and beneficial fundraiser for both schools,” Chrismon said.

The 2Day 5K Cup will be awarded to either Carson High School or South Rowan High School based on the first school with 30 finishers, including students and/or faculty.

Online registration is available at www.sportoften.com until early Saturday afternoon.

Runners can register at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church across from the fire department in China Grove starting at 10:30 Saturday night.

More information is available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or by emailing angie.chrismon@rss.k12.nc.us or RebeccaShopf@rss.k12.nc.us.