Forum Fitness 43nd Annual Winter Flight 8K & 5K and 2026 RRCA 8K NC State Championship

🗓️ WHEN AND WHERE

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Location: Catawba College Gymnasium, Salisbury, NC. The Gymnasium is on the corner of Summit & Yost.
• Registration: 12:00 pm - 1:45 pm - Registration and packet pickup at the Catawba gymnasium
• Race Schedule: 1:30 pm - 1/2 Mile Fun Run: 1:58 pm - Wheelchair / Ainsley’s Angels: 2:00 pm - 5K and 8K Runs

🍝 PASTA DINNER

• Date & Time: Saturday evening, January 31, at 6:00 p.m.
• Location: City Park Recreation Center, 316 Lake Drive, Salisbury, NC 28145
• Cost: Free for Salisbury Rowan Runners' members: $5 for member’s family: $10 for community friends
• RSVP: Contact David Freeze at david.freeze@ctc.net or 704-310-6741

📋 EARLY CHECK-IN

• Check-in: Available Saturday night at City Park (316 Lake Drive, Salisbury, NC 28145).
• Benefit: Come get your shirt early!
• Event: Salisbury Rowan Runners’ annual meeting festivities will also take place.

🚗 RACE PARKING

• Map: Please see the posted map in the menu for race-day parking, used for Catawba football games.
• Parking Areas: Park in any lot marked in white for “game day” parking.

⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• No Headphones: Headphones are discouraged.
• No Dogs: Dogs are not allowed.
• Weather Updates: In case of inclement weather, visit our website for updates - www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

🏃 RACE COURSE

• 8K Course: Certified Course starts near the Catawba College gym and ends in Catawba’s Shuford Stadium.
• State Championship: The 8K will serve as the 2026 RRCA 8K NC State Championship.
• Champions: Overall winners, masters, grand masters, and senior grand masters can win.
• State Requirement: State Championship applies to the 8K race only (not the 5K).

📜 8K STATE RECORDS

• Intent to Compete: Email David Freeze at david.freeze@ctc.net.
• Timing: Chip timing is not allowed for a NC state record: manual timing will be provided.
• Check-in: Check in with David Freeze on race day at Catawba.

📈 LIVE RACE RESULTS

• Availability: Live results will be available and updated every five minutes throughout the races.
• Link: Full results will be transferred to RunSignUp at the end of the event.

⌛ TIMING

• Method: 5K & 8K races will use chip timing.
• Immediate Results: Participants will get their finishing time right away.
• Personalized Video: Access to a personalized finish video linked to their bib number will be provided.

👕 SHIRTS

• Design: Great looking long-sleeve hoodie shirt for all 8K and 5K participants.
• Coming Soon: Photo of the shirt will be posted later.

🏆 AWARDS

• 8K Run: Awards for Top 3 Overall Male & Female Runners: Masters, Grandmasters, & Senior Grandmasters.
• 5K Run/Walk: Awards for Top Overall Male & Female Runners: Age Group Awards.
• 1/2 Mile Fun Run: Top 3 Overall, Ages 12 and Under: Medals to all other finishers.

🎖️ AGE GROUPS

• 8K RUN: Categories range from 14 & under to 80 & over.
• 5K RUN/WALK: Categories include 14 & under to 70 & Over.

💰 CASH PRIZES - 8K ONLY

• Record Bonus: $750 bonus for new 8K WF records.
• First Finishers: $100 to First Male & Female Finisher.
• Milestone Finishers: $25 to First Male & Female at One Mile Mark (must finish race).
• Local Finishers: $25 to First Male & Female Rowan County Finisher.

🚶 WALKER INFORMATION

• Registration: All walkers should be registered in the 5K.
• Time Limit: No walkers allowed in the 8K due to a strict 90-minute time limit.
• Importance: Timeliness is crucial for road openings, fire department release, and awards ceremonies.

🔗 MORE INFORMATION

• Race Link: For additional details, visit Winter Flight Race Page.