On Saturday, Dec. 9, five guests from Rowan Helping Ministries participated in their first ever 5K. The Santa Run at Sloan Park boasts a beautiful rural course that was hosted this year by the Country Life Museum. All proceeds, including donated canned goods and used running shoes, go to Rowan Helping Ministries.

The five guests are the graduates of an eight-week organized walking class, and none had ever completed the 3.1-mile distance before. Over the eight weeks, others came and went, but the graduates learned about the many benefits of walking and regular exercise, eating the right foods, stretching and what to expect on race day.

Ron Overton is a 61-year-old veteran of 23 years in the Air Force and a native of New Jersey. He has been at RHM for three months. He said, “I loved the whole experience, especially Bigfoot and even walking through the cow manure on the road as we passed the dairy farm.”

From northwest Pennsylvania, 75-year-old Cheryl Poli moved to this area in 2008. She’s been in Salisbury for five years and at RHM for seven months in hopes of getting back on her feet. She said, “I loved the country fresh air, the people and the camaraderie. I was sweating by the turnaround. The bagels and other snacks were wonderful as were Locke and West Rowan Fire Departments who kept us safe on the roads.”

The oldest of the group at 82 years, Mary Lucy Dowd said, “I always liked walking but had stopped for the last five years. I didn’t get tired, but I am glad to have finished because I didn’t want anyone to have to pick me up.”

Like the others, the class got 56-year-old Pam Bradshaw from Rowan County walking more. Pam said, “I liked seeing all my friends in the class. Good job on having us in the race, but next year I want to run/walk it. I missed Bigfoot, but I love all the photos from the event.”

Kelly Cooper is 54, originally from Charlotte, and has been at RHM since mid-June. She said, “I am so glad that the 5K proceeds come here because they are helping people like me. We all have our own individual circumstances. The scenery for the race was so beautiful, including just three houses and three hills. I was so grateful for being able to participate but was especially happy to see the finish line.”

Ron, Cheryl, Kelly, Pam and Miss Lucy are actively working with their case managers to find affordable income-based housing in our community.

Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb said, “At Rowan Helping Ministries, we believe in fostering holistic well-being for our guests, and we recognize the profound connection between physical and mental health. Witnessing the transformative effects on our shelter guests as they took part in the Salisbury Rowan Runners walking class and 5K Santa Run inspires us to continue creating opportunities that not only address basic needs but also support the long-term physical and emotional well-being and resilience of those we serve.”

Cooper, Bradshaw, Poli and Dowd all earned age group awards. SRR members Matthew Weaver, Amanda Lewis, Connie Hoffner and Lynn Furr encouraged and walked with the RHM guests for training, and especially enjoyed their time talking while walking. Title sponsor for the event was Global Contact Services. Other major sponsors were Biscuitville, Shaver Wood Products, The Trophy House, Jeremy Carter Law, RLC Associates and Novant Health. The next eight-week session will begin the first week of February. Participants meet in the New Tomorrow’s training room and walking sessions are done on the area sidewalks.

Two recent running books worth considering as Christmas gifts for your runner family and friends are “The Longest Race” by Kara Goucher and Des Linden’s “Choosing to Run.”

Our next local race is the Bradshaw Rogers Financial Partners, Inc. 5K at The Forum on Jan. 1, 2024. It’s a great way to kick off your year. Look for this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.