Salisbury’s celebration of running is ready to roll on Sunday afternoon at Catawba College. The 36^th Annual Novant Health 8K/5K/ Fun Run kicks off at 1:30 p.m. with the oldest 8K and fourth-oldest race of any distance in North Carolina. More than 350 runners of all abilities are expected to take part.

The 8K is the feature race on the same historic course used for more than 20 years. The 5K this year is open to runners and walkers of all abilities and for the first time, these participants will be timed and will be eligible for one of 44 total awards. The half-mile fun run on the Shuford Stadium track is free and open to anyone although only kids, 12 and under, will be eligible for awards. All finishers under 12 will receive a medal. Nearly 100 awards will be given out in the 8K.

All participants in the 8K and 5K will receive a commemorative hoodie designed by local artist Meredith Abramson. Refreshments, Cheerwine and water will be available after the race inside the gymnasium. All proceeds will go to Rowan Helping Ministries as part of its continuing partnership with Salisbury Rowan Runners.

Registration continues all week at www.sportoften.com and by mail. A printable brochure and more information are available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Late registration, early packet pick-up and a pre-race pasta dinner are available from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening at the City Park Recreation Center, located at 316 Lake Drive. Marathon Olympic Trials hopeful and Salisbury native Mary Dudley Bertram Tramazzo will be the featured speaker. The band Prairie Grass will provide entertainment and local runner Norton Dorton will sign autographs.

Race day registration is also available from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday in the Catawba gym. In addition to Novant Health, the City of Salisbury, Catawba College, the Trophy House, F&M Bank, Cheerwine, the Salisbury Post and 20 other local businesses are supporting the event. Call 704-310-6741 for any additional information.