Newton, North Carolina is a small town off of Hwy 16, southwest of Hickory NC. The 2000 Census recorded a population of 12,560 and it is the county seat of Catawba County. The city has a total area of 13.0 square miles. Yep. Drive slow or you'll miss it completely. Newton NC is also the birthplace of NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett. It's an old mill town for those of you familiar with the phrase.
What is astounding about this small community is that it hosts an annual Soldiers Reunion Event that celebrated its 121st year. This is a 10 day long activity that includes; Gospel Concert, Parade, Bike (motorcycle) Ride, Cruisin' & Car Show, Beach Music, Baby Parade (decorated wagons), Softball Game, 5K, crafts, food, and many other fun things to do for all ages. It began in 1892 as a tribute to veterans of the Civil War and has expanded to include veterans of all wars. The American Legion hosts a free fish fry for all local veterans during the event.
The 5K celebrated its 20th Annual run this year with a record-breaking 407 runners participating and I can say without hesitation it was managed with the best of the best. All amenities were present - water, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, door prizes, restrooms, actual trophies for winners and several large groups of teams present to show their support.
I was privileged to run with a group of friends that live in this area and we truly enjoyed ourselves. Temps were high 70's followed by an even higher humidity and a most welcome breeze. The course ran through downtown Newton and was for the most part quite flat. Several local school track teams showed up to participate and it made for a great run all around.
T-shirts/packets were given out the morning of the race; cotton, top quality, great logo. Packet included coupons and a water bottle. Amazingly, this race's entry fee was only $15 which is a great value all things considered.
I hope to run this route again in the future as I firmly believe our Soldiers deserve our Support!
What is astounding about this small community is that it hosts an annual Soldiers Reunion Event that celebrated its 121st year. This is a 10 day long activity that includes; Gospel Concert, Parade, Bike (motorcycle) Ride, Cruisin' & Car Show, Beach Music, Baby Parade (decorated wagons), Softball Game, 5K, crafts, food, and many other fun things to do for all ages. It began in 1892 as a tribute to veterans of the Civil War and has expanded to include veterans of all wars. The American Legion hosts a free fish fry for all local veterans during the event.
The 5K celebrated its 20th Annual run this year with a record-breaking 407 runners participating and I can say without hesitation it was managed with the best of the best. All amenities were present - water, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, door prizes, restrooms, actual trophies for winners and several large groups of teams present to show their support.
I was privileged to run with a group of friends that live in this area and we truly enjoyed ourselves. Temps were high 70's followed by an even higher humidity and a most welcome breeze. The course ran through downtown Newton and was for the most part quite flat. Several local school track teams showed up to participate and it made for a great run all around.
T-shirts/packets were given out the morning of the race; cotton, top quality, great logo. Packet included coupons and a water bottle. Amazingly, this race's entry fee was only $15 which is a great value all things considered.
I hope to run this route again in the future as I firmly believe our Soldiers deserve our Support!
God Bless Our Troops
GUNTIME: 44:14
