Race to the River 5K & Fun Run

Creek Week is a week-long celebration of local waters throughout North Carolina. This year, Rowan Creek Week will be September 14th-21st. In conjunction with multiple organizations and local municipal departments, Creek Week offers recreational, educational, and volunteer opportunities to allow everyone to enjoy and contribute to healthy waters in our area.

8:00-9:30 AM - Medication-Take Back Event at Spencer Town Hall

8:00-8:45 AM - 5K/Fun Run Race to the River registration and check-in at Spencer Town Hall 

9:00 AM - 5K Race to the River to support Happy Roots, a partner of the Spencer Community Garden; Pedal Factory Bike Rides (long and short options) begin near Spencer Town Hall

10:00 AM - Fun Run Across the River at Wilcox Bridge

12:30 PM - Welcome Patrons, booths, and food trucks.  ***All activities after 12:30 pm occur at Yadkin River Park on both Spencer and Davidson County sides.***

12:30 PM - 20's Band at Plaza starts

1:00 PM - Wil-Cox Bridge Centennial Celebration begins - Christopher M. Watford (Mid-Bridge)

2:00 PM - Dewey Snider - Historical Talk about Bridges and Ferries (starting at boat landing, finishing at bridge)

2:30 PM - Music at Flag Poles by playground

3:30 PM - Tour of Fort York (starts at picnic shelter behind house)

4:30 PM - Music at Plaza

6:00 PM - Sunset paddle launch at York Hill Yadkin River Access (1212 Wilcox Way, Linwood, NC  27299) with Yadkin Riverkeeper and Row Co River Adventures (registration required)

The Race to the River 5K finish line and Fun Run will take place at the Town of Spencer's NEW Yadkin River Park Trailhead at 2565 North Salisbury Avenue, Salisbury, NC  28144.  Following the races, join us at Spencer's Yadkin River Park Trailhead for awards, food trucks, and live entertainment from 1 to 6 p.m.

To keep our waterways clean, the Town of Spencer, Spencer Police Department, Rowan County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Rowan County Public Health will be hosting a Medication Take- Back event for citizens to dispose of unused or expired medications from 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Spencer Town Hall (460 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC  28159). For more information on the types of medication you can drop off, please visit the Rowan County Public Health website, found here.

Join the Pedal Factory for a 35-mile Bike Ride or a 7-mile Fun Ride with The Pedal Factory (both rides begin near Spencer Town Hall).  All participants receive a water bottle and bike bag as well as one entry for a brand new bike to be raffled off after the ride.  The 7-mile Fun Ride (cost: $10) includes ride leader and ride sweep, with halfway point rest stop at Wilcox Bridge. The 35-mile bike ride (cost: $25) includes low-traffic country roads into Davidson County with a stop at Boone's Cave Park. Participants must BYO (bring your own) bikes and helmets, or rentals are available. Advance signup is required. For more information, contact the Pedal Factory at (704) 870-7145.

Join Row Co River Adventures and Yadkin Riverkeeper for a guided group sunset paddle along the Yadkin River. The group will meet and launch at the York Hill Boat Access at Yadkin River Park at 6:00pm. Approximate trip is a 1-hour, easy paddle. Row Co River Adventures will be providing kayak rentals for the event. Participants can rent a single ($25) or double kayak ($30) for a nominal fee at yadkinriverkeeper.org.  Have your own equipment? Join us at no cost. Advance signup is required. To book a rental please contact Nicky at Row Co River Adventures at (704) 433-1066 or email rowco@rowcoriveradventures.com.

The Wil-Cox Bridge, spanning the Yadkin River between Rowan and Davidson Counties in North Carolina, is a historic concrete arch bridge completed in 1924.  Named after local leaders W. T. Wilkinson and Charles B. Cox, the bridge was a vital link on the Atlantic Highway, later U.S. Route 29.  For decades, it was a key crossing between the Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina.  Decommissioned for traffic in 2010, the bridge is now a pedestrian and bicycle path, offering scenic views and reflecting the region's transportation heritage.  On its 100-year anniversary, it is celebrated for its architectural significance and enduring role in connecting communities.

Rowan and Davidson Counties have built a strong partnership through shared initiatives like preserving and promoting the Wil-Cox Bridge, connecting them across the Yadkin River.  Collaborating on projects that enhance community connectivity and cultural heritage, both counties strengthen their economic and recreational ties.