Hearts for Missions 5K

Welcome to NextGen United's Summer Sun and Racing Fun 5k

5k kicks off at 8:00 AM

Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-UP will begin at 7:00-8:00 AM

Day Before Packet Pick UP on 6/5/26 at Betty G Ross from 4:00-6:00 PM

Location and Course: will Betty G Ross Park, 800 Madison St, Lincolnton, NC 28092 and the local Rail Trail

NextGen United's Summer Sun and Racing Fun 5K community fundraiser, which supports emergency crises, one-time hardships, and programs across the county. (proceeds go to United Way of Lincoln Co)

Awards:

1st place Male and Female overall

1st, 2nd, 3rd in age groups (14 and under, 15-19,

20-34, 35-49, 50-64, 65+) Male and Female

NextGen United, a teen-led interest group from United Way of Lincoln County, invites you to join our

first-ever 5K race and kick off the summer season! There will be awards for 1st place runner (male and

female), as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group—plus ALL runners will get to jumpstart

summertime with snow cones, slushies, and much more once they cross that finish line!

Support UWLC's teen group and help raise money for our Community Fund, supporting our neighbors in

need during one-time hardships, critical programs across the county, and much more!

Get your Excitement on and join us for a festive, family-friendly run/walk that kicks off the season of gratitude with fun in the Clover community spirit!

Hosted by Greater Things, this event raises critical funds to support individuals and families in York County through practical resources, hope, and compassion. Every step you take helps bring Greater Things to life in our community.

Race Day Fun Includes:

Scenic 5K trail run/walk through beautiful Downtown Clover, South Carolina

Medals for top finishers in Men’s & Women’s age groups Divisions

Children's fun run

Free race T-shirt for all registered participants

Kids’ Scavenger Hunt

Local business & organization info tables with treats and giveaways

Complimentary water, snacks, and post-race celebration

age group runs, 50 years and above, 35 to 49 years old 17 to 35 years old and 16 years and under

Special Highlights: We will have a DJ that will raise the Festive atmosphere! We are starting in the City Park so children have a place to play and enjoy the experience.

It is our Desire that everyone that comes to this event walks away with a great enjoyable family fun experience!!!

100% of all the runners fees go to the Ministry to Support Underprivileged Children and Veterans!!!!

The race will start at the sound of the horn and your time begins, the crossing of the finish line determines your time.

TDeming Timing and Events

https://share.google/JjVGvlaZuWeZL3nvv

Lace up, grab your crew, and let’s RUN for a cause! Register today and join the movement

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.

​

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!