5K, Fun run raise record proceeds

Saturday morning, April 6, dawned clear and cool as well over 300 runners began arriving at the West Rowan Elementary School in Cleveland. In just its third year, the West Rowan Bible Teachers Association 5K and Fun Run nearly doubled registration from the first year the event was held in 2022. The 2024 event raised $35,000, a record for the county. The fun run alone had over 60 registrants, also a county record.

Benefiting the West Rowan Bible Teachers Association, all proceeds help provide for Bible teachers in the West-area schools. Teachers Faith Devenney, Brant Marlin and Sara Bailey Wooten work at West Rowan Elementary, Mt. Ulla Elementary, West Rowan Middle and West Rowan High School. With an annual budget of $235,000, the association must provide for all salary and benefits for these teachers since the state does not fund them.

Mascots from all four schools added to the high energy as runners and walkers prepared for the races. Race director Deb Gussler had lots of organizations on board and said, “The Cleveland Police Department as well as the Cleveland Town Hall were involved. Four officers were placed along the course to ensure safety for all runners. They purchased 100 cones after last year’s race to place along the course to help guide runners. West Rowan High School helped in many ways. Their Health Science Club made posters and stood along the route to cheer on the runners. Scotch Irish and Woodleaf fire departments helped with traffic flow on Main Street. The Cleveland Fire Department assisted at the start/finish area in case any participants needed assistance. And our principal here at West Rowan Elementary, Kris Wolfe, helps us make this event happen and she once again ran the race. Major sponsors were Piedmont Agri-Systems and Common Ground.”

The historic course, first used over 30 years ago, included a few neighborhoods and an out and back tour of the town along Main Street. Notable in the race were first place overall finisher Robert Miller from China Grove and the top female, Gatsby Goode of Concord. Miller, 51, blistered the fast course in 16 minutes and 37 seconds. Second place was Ben Kassel at 17:17 and third was Matthew O’Donnell in 17:30. Following Goode’s 19 minutes and 34 second win were second place Katie Efird in 20:04 and Shanna Matlock in 22:56. Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gussler added that other notable local finishers included her mother, Linda Keller, walking the event with oxygen after beating COVID pneumonia, and West Rowan Elementary head custodian, Bobby Watson, who ran the race with his granddaughter Macie on her third birthday.

The WRBTA has been around for 75 years. The Bible teachers are not funded by district, state or county. Gusler said, “These teachers have such a positive impact on our students. One student recently said that she wanted to be a Bible teacher during a future career discussion. The community involvement alone is incredible. And huge numbers of students and staff came out to volunteer, run, walk and participate as needed in such a special way. Participants from age three to 80 mirror our multi-generational community commitment to serve all ages with our Bible teachers. I had a goal this year of 200 registrations, and we got over 340. Our local churches have played a big role in helping this event to grow. The support and love we receive is always uplifting!”

All proceeds from this event and other fundraiser initiatives go towards paying the Bible teachers. Those other activities and more information can be found at www.wrbta.com

Gusler concluded, “Planning for next year’s race is already underway! I feel we learn from each race, then we always strive to do better the next year. It is not too late to donate to this year’s race or to get more information. Feel free to call me, Deb Gusler, at 704-902-5237.”