CHINA GROVE — The Midnight Madness 2-Day 5K will kick off again this year to raise money for local high schools.

The race will benefit South Rowan and Carson High’s athletic departments and “allow the community to support both schools in one fell swoop,” organizer Angie Chrismon said.

Chrismon is athletic director at South Rowan High. The race is a different one for several reasons. For one, it’s held at night. This year’s race will begin at 11:59 p.m. Friday and end in the early-morning hours Saturday — making it effectively two days long.

The race was started last year when Chrismon and her Carson counterpart, Becky Shopf, were trying to think of a fundraiser that could benefit both schools. Carson and South Rowan are geographically close to one another and share local communities like China Grove and Bostian Heights. According to Chrismon, many Carson parents are also South Rowan graduates.

“(We) were trying to think of some things to do that could combine the community of both of our schools,” she said.

Combined, Carson and South Rowan have 36 varsity teams, 16 junior varsity teams and more than 400 student athletes.

The first Midnight Madness run was a huge success, Chrismon said. More than 140 runners participated, running down Main Street in China Grove to Food Lion, then back.

The run will feature the same route this year.

“There’s not any other Midnight Madness in the community,” Chrismon said.

Not only does it represent a novel opportunity for runners, but it helps keep contestants cool even at the height of summer. Most 5Ks are held in the morning, but even then, temperatures can spike to uncomfortable or dangerous levels.

“As soon as that sun comes out, it’s hot,” she said.

Holding a night race ensures that runners don’t overheat and limits the impact of road closures. China Grove will close Main Street from Ross Street to Food Lion beginning about 9:30 p.m. Friday.

“The good thing about it is that there’s not too much traffic that comes through there at that time of night,” Chrismon said.

Runners are encouraged to wear glow necklaces and bracelets or to carry glow sticks.

“We try to light things up as much as possible,” Chrismon said.

While the fundraiser supports both schools, there is a bit of friendly competition. The first school with 30 runners across the finish line will win the 5K Cup for the year.

The run is open to people of all ages and from all over — even if they have no ties to either school.

“A lot of runners are just looking for races,” Chrismon said.

Chrismon also wanted to thank the sponsors of the run, including presenting sponsor Novant Health as well as the town of China Grove, China Grove police and fire departments, and Rowan County Runners.

Once costs have been covered, funds raised will be split evenly between the two athletic departments. The money will help offset costs for uniforms, security, travel, equipment, sports officials and awards.

Interested runners can register before the race at www.sportoften.com/event/48632/2-day-5k. Advance registration is $25. Same-day registration is $30.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.