Five Points 5K hosted for 2nd year; skaters allowed to join race

CHARLOTTE — Locals gathered to walk, run, and skate their way through the second annual Five Points Plaza on Saturday morning.

The race is put on by the city of Charlotte and the Knights Foundation.

The Plaza is a brand-new public space in the city’s historic West End, near the Beatties Ford corridor. The city of Charlotte put money into the space to help reinvigorate the area.

The race helps raise funds for free city programming and events. Saturday’s race was the first time skaters were allowed to participate.

Johnny Witherspoon, a skater in the race, said the event was a great way to unite the community.

“This event right here kind of helped us bridge the gap between the runners and skaters because we always see the runners and cheer for them. Now to be able to cheer together was a big moment that resonated with me,” Witherspoon said.

The Plaza is named Five Points because it’s where West Trade Street, Beatties Ford Road, Rozzelle’s Ferry, Fifth Street, and State Street all meet at the intersections.

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