My favorite racing day of the year is whatever day the venerable and historic Winter Flight races fall on. This year, for the Feb. 2 event, we have a new title sponsor so the official name for the event is the 42^nd Annual Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run. Some things stay the same, as Catawba College will again host the event. All three courses are the same, although a few changes happened over the first 41 years.

This race had its start in downtown Salisbury before settling on Catawba College and the long running partnership there. The 8K (4.97 miles) is the oldest race of that distance in the state and has for many years attracted some of the best runners in the southeast and occasionally from much farther away. California and Hawaii were both listed on the signup list over recent years, and former Olympians still hold the male and female course records. Michael Zachow from Bemidji, Minnesota, drove here to run the race three years ago then he eventually helped with directions and pointers on my Mississippi River bicycle ride the next summer. The 8K is the Road Runners Club of America North Carolina State Championship.

About a dozen years ago, we added the 5K, a slightly less competitive event although you could never convince past winners of that. Both the 5K and 8K start at 2 p.m. in front of Goodman Gym, usually with a notable starter. This year’s starter will be Steve Staley of Charlotte, the keynote speaker from Salisbury Rowan Runners Annual Meeting the night before. Staley has completed about 1600 road races of various distances and will compete in this year’s 8K. Walkers should participate in the 5K unless they can cover the 8K course in 90 minutes or less.

The first event of the afternoon is the county’s only free half mile fun run that is open to anyone of any age. The fun run is two times around the Shuford Stadium track. Only those 12 or under are eligible for awards. The next event is a wheelchair race with handicapped riders pushed by the strong legs of adult runners over either the 5K or 8K course.

All participants in the 8K and 5K get a commemorative hoodie, plenty of refreshments and a chance at about 160 overall and age group awards. New this year is the bicycle raffle provided by Skinny Wheels Pedals and Pints. A Roll Gravel Adventure 1 bike will remain on display at Skinny Wheels at 111 West Innes Street in Salisbury. Tickets at one for $5 and three for $10 are available there, at The Forum, Rowan Helping Ministries and through any SRR board member. The drawing for the bike will be at the race awards ceremony in Goodman Gym. All proceeds for the raffle and races go to Rowan Helping Ministries.

The annual meeting, pre-race pasta dinner on Saturday evening Feb. 1 is at City Park Recreation Building and is open to anyone interested in the race, beginning at 6 p.m. Cost for the event is $10, while SRR club members and sponsors are free. Those running on Sunday can stop by to register or pick up their packet including race bib, commemorative hoodie and goodie bag. On site registration continues at Goodman Gym on the Catawba College campus on Sunday beginning at noon.

Fifty-five sponsors support the race, most notably The Forum, Catawba College, the city of Salisbury, David Post, First Horizon Bank, the Trophy House of Salisbury, Debbie Suggs Catering, Millbridge Ruritan Club and Global Contact Services. The Salisbury Police Department, assisted by cars from several other communities will keep both the simultaneous 8K and 5K runners and walkers safe. The Salisbury Fire Department will be on the scene in case of a medical emergency.

Online registration is open now at runsignup.com and continues through race morning, Feb. 2. Look for more information about Winter Flight at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or by calling 704-310-6741.