Yes, it is already December, approaching the end of another great year for running, walking and racing locally. We’re going to close out the year with a bang with two solid races, and then start it off with another one on Jan. 1. Here’s what we have ahead.

The Freeze Your Buns 5K and Fun Run is set for 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. This is the kickoff event for the Winterfest celebration for the Town of Spencer and is headquartered near town hall. Race awards will be handed out on the Winterfest stage. Stay after the race for plenty of fun.

Then, on Dec. 14, we’re at the Millbridge Ruritan’s Building near Sloan Park for SRR’s Santa’s Run for Hunger 5K and Fun Run, all of it benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries West. Again, the race is held in conjunction with the North Carolina Bigfoot Reunion. Kerr Mill Road resident Connie Hoffner lives along the course and reports the host Bigfoot family frequents her area and has been grunting more while banging a lot of sticks. She is unsure exactly what that means for the event but is sure the locals seem more excited than normal. Bigfoot sightings are frequent during the event. Pancakes and other breakfast goodies are planned for the postrace celebration along with the always popular Bigfoot contest.

What does a Bigfoot contest consist of? All men who can verify wearing a size 12 or larger shoe and women who wear size 10 or larger shoe in the race will be entered in a drawing for a pair of running shoes sponsored by Ralph Baker Shoes. Santa has already confirmed he’ll be on hand for the third oldest race in Rowan.

Then, just as the holiday season is coming to an end, we have the Bradshaw Rogers Resolution Run 5K at The Forum on South Main Street in Salisbury on Jan. 1. Meant to encourage a New Year’s Day Resolution for better health and fitness, the 5K is open to walkers and runners for a nominal fee of $10 before race day and $15 on race day. All runners will be timed, and the top 10 male and females will get awards. Canned goods and new or used shoe donations will be accepted. Last year, almost 100 runners and walkers participated on the same course used for the Butterball.

Exciting times are ahead as we close one year and open another. Be a part of it all or as much as you can. You can help make someone’s world a slightly better place!

A brief look back at the Butterball 5K on Thanksgiving Day included an unexpected break in the weather. We went to bed expecting rain early morning through race time. My early morning run was in the rain and lightning, but it all cleared out to just solid overcast skies during the race that had more than 380 registered and 334 finishers.

Matthew Shock, 42, of Boone won the race in 16 minutes and 30 seconds, followed in second by Lexington’s 22-year-old Jacob Kurtis Guy in 16:44, with third going to 18-year-old Bricen Burleson of Kannapolis in 17:04.

Madeline Hladik of Harrisburg, 20, led the women in 20:06. Katie Efird, 37, of Salisbury was second in 20:14 with Michelle Ziegler of Boone, 43, taking third in 20:19. Just 13 seconds separated the top three women.

The Forum donated the $10,000 in proceeds to the Terrie Hess House and Prevent Child Abuse Rowan following the race.

I’m still running and getting a little stronger. By the time you read this, if all goes well, I will have just over 110 running miles since starting back on Oct. 26. Again, thanks for all the support and those amazing prayers!

Look for the races above and others coming soon at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.