David Freeze

China Grove's sixth annual Farmer's Day Tractor Parade drew 82 tractors and a large downtown crowd despite intense July heat. Participants displayed historic Oliver and John Deere machines, emphasizing the area's agricultural heritage and the nostalgia associated with farming communities increasingly surrounded by residential development. David Freeze recounts restoring his family's 1946 John Deere B with help from Sammy Freeze and Joe Stewart, then driving it in the parade. Organizers say the event has grown from about 15 tractors in its first year to 82 and is expected to expand further next year.

The J. Fred Corriher South Rowan YMCA in Landis added at least 60 parking spaces to address severe congestion caused by a growing spring soccer program, which involves 295 children and attracts 200–250 vehicles on busy mornings. After removing trees and grading the site, Vulcan Materials donated 200 tons of crusher-run gravel produced at its Kannapolis plant. Additional support came from local farmer Robert Miller, Corriher Sand and Stone, DLB Trucking and volunteers. The new lot was ready for the April 11 game day and was quickly filled, earning positive feedback from families and prompting the YMCA to consider further projects with Vulcan.

David Freeze argues that running in light snow can be a rewarding experience when conditions are physically safe, drawing on his 45 years of running and describing a recent five-mile run during snowfall. He acknowledges the risks of deep snow and icy patches, noting that slippery conditions can make walking safer. The column also previews the 43rd Annual Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run at Catawba College, highlighting elite entrants Jordan Schilit and Josh Izewski. The February 15 race will include events for runners and walkers, with proceeds benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries.

The 43rd annual Winter Flight race in Salisbury was postponed because of an expected snowstorm and extreme cold, with the event rescheduled for February 15, 2026. The race includes a free half-mile fun run, wheelchair 8K, 5K and 8K, and benefits Rowan Helping Ministries. The column also features the author’s personal endorsement of chiropractic care and comments from chiropractor Andy Jeter about common running injuries, alignment, and remaining active during recovery.

The 43rd annual Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run will take place at Catawba College on February 1, 2026, with proceeds benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. The event is organized by Salisbury Rowan Runners in partnership with Catawba College and the City of Salisbury, with volunteers, sponsors, new commemorative medals and hoodies, awards, refreshments, and a raffle supporting the charity. Registration remains open online and in person through race day.

Ultramarathoner Charlotte Corriher, a former Landis resident and South Rowan High School student, has completed 182 marathons, 132 ultras, 35 100-mile races and a 200-mile event, including marathon finishes in all 50 states. Known for wearing elaborate costumes inspired by family, movies and locations, she is pursuing at least 2,026 race miles in 2026. Corriher will be the keynote speaker at the Forum Fitness Winter Flight pasta dinner and Salisbury Rowan Runners’ annual celebration on January 31 at Salisbury’s City Park Recreation Center, where attendees can also register for races and collect race materials.

The 43rd Winter Flight races are scheduled for February 1 in Salisbury, featuring a free half-mile fun run, wheelchair event, 5K and signature 8K. The 8K is the oldest race of its distance in North Carolina and will again serve as the Road Runners Club of America state championship. Forum Fitness returns as title sponsor, with proceeds benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. The column reviews the event’s history, notable course records, past weather disruptions and military demonstrations, while encouraging runners and walkers of all abilities to participate.

David Freeze encourages people beginning a running journey to start with two weeks of progressively longer and faster walking, obtain properly fitted running shoes, maintain an easy conversational pace, and gradually add short running intervals. He emphasizes consistency, accountability, patience and building stamina rather than relying on rigid online Couch to 5K programs. Freeze also promotes his beginner runners class starting March 10 and previews the local Winter Flight race on February 1.

David Freeze offers guidance for prospective first-time marathoners, emphasizing the importance of identifying personal goals, committing to a 16–18-week training schedule, gradually increasing long-run distance, and preparing for race-day logistics. He recommends building up to at least 20 miles, practicing with planned gear and nutrition, researching the course, securing travel and registration early, and learning from the training process. He also promotes the upcoming Resolution Run 5K benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries.

Weight vests can increase calorie burn, strength, endurance, bone health and posture while allowing a more natural gait than a loaded backpack. They are useful for building fitness before progressing to backpack rucking, although running while wearing a vest is generally discouraged. The column also encourages high school runners to compete with adults, who can provide valuable racing and training experience, and highlights accurate course measurement and continued participation after graduation. The upcoming Resolution 5K at The Forum on January 1 will benefit Rowan Helping Ministries.

Local running columnist David Freeze encourages readers of all ages and abilities to join Salisbury’s Resolution 5K on January 1. He emphasizes the health, social, outdoor and community benefits of local races, along with their affordability and support for charities. Hosted by The Forum and Salisbury Rowan Runners, the $10 early-registration event benefits Rowan Helping Ministries and welcomes both runners and walkers.

The Price of Freedom Museum in China Grove will host its Christmas on the Homefront remembrance event on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. The program includes live music, a decorated World War II-era home, military displays, a new “Do You Remember?” exhibit, updated cafeteria exhibits, outdoor graphics and a military wood stove. Admission is free, with donations accepted to support operating costs.