Between now and Sept. 22, more than a dozen USATF events are set for USATF associations in North and South Carolina. Given the flooding and other damage expected from Hurricane Florence, I wouldn’t count on any of them takng place. Races include a bunch of 5Ks and associated fun runs in Mebane, Cary, Raleigh, Pittsboro and Charlotte — site of 2006 outdoor masters nationals.

More important than any road race are the lives of our athletes, so I hope as many as possible have cleared out and aren’t caught in the growing power outage (156,000 customers at 9 p.m. Thursday Pacific Time).

We’re especially concerned for the families and homes of Carolina athletes such as Malaga M35 gold-medal sprinter Rondrick Parker, a high school track coach in Jasper County, South Carolina. He won the 100 in 10.85 and took silver in the 200 (22.19).

Other Carolina friends:

The energy at the Furman University track on June 9 was electrifying! The SC Open & Masters Track Classic was a success thanks to the Greenville Track Club, USA Track & Field South Carolina, volunteers and participants! View the Pace photos on our FB page: https://t.co/BIRYLUhGcb pic.twitter.com/4hsYqOE2zc

— Pace Magazine & Shop (@Pace_Mag_Shop) June 16, 2018

With my wife after the South Carolina Masters Track Championship by Greenville Track Club. She stayed with me for hours on a hot day, armed with a beach chair and umbrella. #goofyreligion pic.twitter.com/o1X9UMwX3d

— Rick Pack (@rick_pack2) June 12, 2018

Having fun with my wife after the combo @usatf SE Masters / North Carolina championship track meet. #goofyreligion @JoseGonz321 @jonhider @raelyard @pavsaund @pryelluw @pryelluw @ReidNEvans pic.twitter.com/PGQPlHlBa6

— Rick Pack (@rick_pack2) January 22, 2018

If you’re in the Florence zone, please let us know you’re safe.

USATF calendar shows these races through Sept. 22, when the ravages of Florence may still be felt.

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