CHINA GROVE — The China Grove Town Council took steps to adopt a 5K race previously organized by the local YMCA and in doing so, began cultivating a vision for what the event could ultimately become.

The 5K Main Street Challenge has been held in China Grove since 1997.

“It has changed hands a couple of times, but most recently it was held with the YMCA,” Parks and Recreation Director Jill Sellers said. “At the beginning of this year, the YMCA approached us and asked if (China Grove) would be interested in taking over this event.”

Sellers mentioned that the timing was not right to make that move during 2024, but added that they have been working with the YMCA, specifically training with its organizers during the most recent race.

“They have asked if we would be willing to take it over for 2025,” Sellers said.

The proposed date would be Friday, May 9.

“This is due to Rowan-Salisbury Schools over time moving up their ending date of classes until the end of May,” Sellers said. “It used to be in June. So we are trying to capture everyone before school gets out and before Memorial Day weekend.

Sellers mentioned that it also fits into a schedule with other 5Ks in the area.

“There are no other 5Ks that we know of being held in Rowan County on that weekend,” Sellers said. “Because of moving it up a month, there is a little bit of a time change, to adjust for the sun setting.”

Seller compiled some estimated numbers including cost and revenues for China Grove.

“They have been averaging around 300 runners,” Sellers said. “The goal for us is to get 350 runners next year, which would put us at $8,600 in total expenses and around $10,000-$11,000 in revenue.”

Council member Cheryl Sheets asked about prospective advertising.

“The last race that we had, we did not even know they were having it until we saw the roads were closed,” Sheets said. “Face it, not everyone is going to go the website. I think some publicizing it would be really great.”

Sheets said that publicizing the race serves two purposes, to promote the event and to inform China Grove residents about what is going on to involve the most people, organizations and businesses.

“How can we involve everybody and make it a win-win, not just for the race but for everyone, the whole town?” Sheets said.

Sellers noted that the previous race was not hosted by China Grove, but indicated that this year, they would explore promotional avenues to inform and involve as many people as possible, including various sponsorships.

“They already have some great relationships with sponsors that we would try to hitch onto,” Sellers said of the race organizers. “We would advertise the road closures and when the race is happening. There are a lot of running channels we can latch onto for people that are looking for a 5K.”

One unique thing about China Grove’s 5K is that several records for speed have been set during it, leading to an increased profile.

In making the motion to approve, Council member Lee Withers said, “I would say this first year, if we are proposing to make $2,300 every bit of that should go to advertising to promote a new race. I don’t want to put any money back into the coffers if this is the first one. We gotta promote it.”

Sheets added that see sees it as a real money maker with a broad prospect of possibilities.

Town Manager Franklin Gover agreed on the race’s potential.

“We are still working on the vision,” Gover said. “This is a great place for people to hit their PRs (person records) and set state records. I have my thumb personally on some of those communication channels for runners. If we want to make it a fast 5K to attract fast runners and people who are interested in coming and having a good time, that could make it a really big event.”

Sheets seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

A change in waste partners

During the meeting, the council also opted to change waste disposal service providers at the community building and new sports ballfield.

“This is something that was investigated to try to make cost improvements for some of our recreation facilities,” Sellers said.

The community memorial building and the new sports ballfield are both serviced by Waste Management Dumpster Services. The town began exploring more cost-effective opportunities after Waste Management charged a $200 overage fee because the lid to the dumpster was “open about half an inch.”

According to Sellers, China Grove is currently paying $280 per month to have the dumpster picked up weekly at the community building and $400 per month to have it picked up at the ballfield.

“It’s a larger dumpster at the ballfield,” Sellers said.

Sellers mentioned that the town priced out disposal with Republic Services and that Waste Management was given the opportunity to requote their services as well. The city also reached out to GFL Services about a dumping contract.

“GFL is not able to service this area with dumpsters at this time,” Sellers said.

The proposal fee from Republic Services is quoted at $112 per month at the community building and $144 per month for a weekly service at the ballfield.

That rate is for the time of year when sports are in season. It drops drastically after the season ends to $57 per month. Seasonal flexibility is something that Sellers said Waste Management does not currently offer.

“That will help save some money when the ballfield is not being used,” Sellers said.

There is a $69 startup fee for both services.

Sellers said that the issue that prompted the exploration of alternatives to Waste Management would not be the case with Republic since the latter charges overages based on tonnage versus whether the lid is open or not.

Sellers said that it would result in a cost savings close to 50 percent for the year.

The move does require signing a three-year contract with Republic Services.

Councilman Lee Withers made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Arthur Heggins. It passed unanimously.

“Thank you for saving us some money,” Mayor Rodney Phillips said to Sellers at the meeting.