Hearts for Missions 5K

Join us for our 4th Annual Pirate 5k Run/Walk

(dress in pirate costume theme if you wish)

Date: Saturday

August 15, 2026

Time:07:30am 5k Kicks off

Register on race day between 6:30-7:00am

Age Based Pricing for Students

Location:

St. Luke’s Episcopal

Church

315 North Cedar Street

Lincolnton, NC 28092

Packet Pickup:

Friday Aug 14th from 4-6pm

Saturday Aug 15th from 6:30-7am (At the Parrish house at St Luke’s)

Awards:

Overall Male and Female

1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group

Finisher medal for all participants

Age Groups (Male and Female) 14 and under 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Deadline for guaranteed shirt: Aug. 3rd

The Third annual Pirate 5K Run/Walk will begin on North Cedar Street in Lincolnton at Historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The church graveyard is the final resting place of Lorenzo Ferrier who may or may not be Jean Lafitte.

From St. Luke’s the runners will work their way to the Lincolnton Rail Trail at First Federal Park at East Pine Street crossing.

For more information pertaining to St. Luke’s please visit the church website.

https://www.stlukeslincolnton.com

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Lincolnton, is a North Carolina non-profit 501 (c)(3) and donations may be tax deductible.

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ABOUT THE RAIL TRAIL:

The Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail, known locally as the Lincolnton Rail-Trail, is a 1.5-mile paved trail, and is especially popular with walkers, joggers, bikers, and parents pushing baby strollers. Benches line the route, inviting you to pause and take in this enchanting town and trail. The trail is maintained by the City of Lincolnton.

The trail offers a chance to search the heart of this small Southern town, highlighted by a stately courthouse, model Main Street, thriving arts scene, and nearby lakes and mountains. Once an eyesore covered in kudzu and debris, the former Norfolk Southern Railroad corridor is now the pride and joy of “Lovable Lincolnton”.

For more information on the Lincolnton Rail Trail visit https://www.carolinathreadtrailmap.org/trails/trail/marcia-h-cloninger-rail-trail

ABOUT THE PIRATE:

"In 2021, a book entitled Jean Lafitte Revealed, Unraveling One of America’s Longest-Running Mysteries by Ashley Oliphant and Beth Yarbrough presents the theory that Jean Laffite, did in fact successfully change his name and live out the rest of his natural life, dying 1875 at the age of 96, under the pseudonym, “Lorenzo Ferrer” in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Ferrer is buried in a marked grave at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The grave is commonly referred to as locals as “The Pirate’s Grave.” Whether or not the story is true, it would make for a great movie."

https://potus-geeks.livejournal.com/1456158.html

The Current:

"Laffite’s legend in Lincolnton involves a possible son by Louisa, an alleged murder at a plantation, an argument with another Frenchmen also living undercover and a sword with his initials hidden in plain sight."

https://thecurrentla.com/2021/a-pirate-gets-his-due

Join us September 12th 2026 for the Runway 5k supporting the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program.

Race day sign up offered between 6 am - 7 am

Start Time 7:30 am Sharp (1 hour max to complete the course, due to Runway closure per FAA)

Gastonia Municipal Airport : 1030 Gaston Day School, Gastonia, NC 28056

Price $30 with Shirt, $25 without shirt ( select the no shirt option during check out to save $5.00!

Everyone receives a Finisher medal at the finish line.

Overall 1 place finisher (M&F).

Age group award for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place age groups (M&F): 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Course is a USTF certified 5k starting and finishing on the Runway

Water and snacks provided at the finish

Packet Pick-up Friday September 11th, 2026 from 7am – 6pm @ Gastonia Municipal Airport : 1030 Gaston Day School, Gastonia, NC 28056

RACE SHIRTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER AUG 15TH, 2026

Join us for the first Beyond the Walls Ministry 5K Walk for Love on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the Town of Clover! This exciting event invites participants of all ages to run or walk a scenic 5K route, all while bringing neighbors together for positive vibes, celebrating self-love and community support. Lace up your sneakers and come with an open heart help the Women's Ministry kick-off a great community event. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, this event promises a fantastic day of community spirit and purpose. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a fun-filled day in the heart of Clover!

This is a Rain or Sunshine Event. We will cancel if there is lightning.

Certified 5K Trail Run on a 50 acre horse ranch in southern Gaston County, NC. Plus a 2K Walk and Half-pint Run (ages 7 and under)

Date: Saturday 10/10/2025

Times: 8:30 am for Half-pint run and 9:00 am start for the 5K Trail Run. Walkers start after the runners leave.

Walk up registration starts at 7:30 am on race day. Shirts are on a first come basis if available.

The registration fees are:

• 5K runners is $35 (early registration is $30 until August 31).

• 2K walkers is $35 (early registration is $30 until August 31).

• Half-Pint participants is $15.

Packet pick-up is race day starting at 7:30 am.

Location: 5001 CR Wood Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Calling All Superheroes!!!

Grab your cape, lace up your running shoes, and join us for the 2nd Annual Run Special Olympics Gaston County Superhero 5k on November 7,2026 at 8am at Rankin Lake in Gastonia, NC.

Come dress as your favorite superhero and help us celebrate inclusion, community, and the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Gaston County. Whether you run, walk, roll or cheer from the sidelines, you'll be making a powerful difference right here in our local community.

Packet pickup: 11/6/26 from 4-7

First United Methodist Church of Gastonia

190 E Franklin Blvd

Gastonia, NC 28052

Top Female/Male Age divisions: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-up

Rain or shine

RACE SHIRTS AND MEDALS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER 10/15/2026

(Will have to complete course by 930)