Early morning temperatures in the mid 50s greeted runners and walkers on Saturday morning at the Hoffner Organic Farm in Mt. Ulla.
Fields of blooming sunflowers highlighted the trail on firmly packed dirt roads. All proceeds from the event went to the LandTrust of Central North Carolina. The 5K helped kick off the “Know Your Farms Tour” Saturday.
Chance Brown easily paced the field with a time of 17 minutes and 47 seconds. Rebekah Julian was the fastest woman in 24 minutes and 48 seconds. Many runners ran about two tenths of a mile extra because of volunteer miscue, but everyone seemed to enjoy the rural course on such a beautiful day. Times for much of the field reflect the extra distance.
Dr. Myron Goodman won the “Ugly Shoe” contest, sponsored by Phidippides Sport Center of the Carolina Mall. Goodman, a longtime road racer, ran in the shoes during the race. He loudly announced to the crowd at the start of the race, “There is no need for anyone else to enter. Mine are the winners!” Judges proved him right.
Other highlights of the morning were great post-race refreshments including root bear and ice cream, and unique dairy cow themed t-shirts and awards.
Major sponsors for the event were Billy Joe Kepley, Wrightsock, West Rowan Farm Home and Garden, Novant Health, The Forum, Community Grocery and Hardware, Organic Valley, Spinnaker General Contractors and DJ JD. Complete results are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org