St James Elementary School Royal Run 5k

Living the Dream 5K Race

Date: August 1st, 2025

Race Check-In & Entry Begins: 7:15 AM

Location: Talbert Business Development Area, Lake Norman, NC

Join us for the Second Annual Living the Dream 5K Race, a powerful community event honoring the life and legacy of Coach Ben Watson — a beloved national and state hall of fame wrestling coach, mentor, and passionate servant leader. Coach Watson made a lifelong impact through his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as a student, collegiate leader, and teacher advisor for over 30 years. He impacted hundreds of students as a teacher, wrestling coach, and FCA advisor.

This race is more than a run — it's a celebration of Coach Watson’s legacy and a rally to support the ongoing work of FCA in our local schools and sports communities. All proceeds will go toward expanding FCA’s ministry efforts in the Lake Norman area, including raising up new staff to meet the growing needs of our region.

Whether you're a competitive runner, casual jogger, or want to walk in support of the cause, we invite you to be part of something that makes an eternal impact.

Run with purpose. Live the dream. Honor the legacy.

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

We are excited to bring you the Lake Davidson Sprint Triathlon presented by Trane Technolgies! This is a USAT sanctioned event in Davidson, NC. It features a 750 meter swim, 12.7 mile bike, and a 5K run. Located on the beautiful campus of Trane Technologies, it's a great triathlon for beginners and seasoned triathletes alike.

Swim:

The 750 meter swim features an in-water start with the water temperature historically being in the low 80’s so wetsuits are hardly ever permitted. The rectangular shaped course starts right at the lake front at the Trane Technologies Campus with the swim finish located only about 50 yards down the shore from the start location. The water is usually very flat as the course is situated in a protected area of the lake that is sheltered from the wind. Participants will be required to wear a swim cap that designates which wave they are in. We will provide the swim cap for you at packet pick up. The swim waves and start times will be posted in the Event Details which are posted the week of the event.

Bike:

The bike course is a 12.7 mile loop which begins and ends on the Trane Technologies Campus. The bike course completely avoids downtown Davidson and Davidson College areas. The bike course quickly becomes a ride through the rural roads of far north Mecklenburg County. The course is moderately hilly with a couple of decent size hills – though nothing too intimidating.

Run:

The run course takes place completely on the Trane Technologies Campus. The out and back course is also slightly hilly with lots of turns. If the temperatures are high – the run course will be hot – as shade is at a premium.

Come experience the Davidson Lands Conservancy's 21st Annual Run for Green! Our course is in the beautiful small town of Davidson, North Carolina. Be careful, though, it is so charming, you may just want to move here. We could not be more excited to bring you the quality race that you have come to expect. Our course winds its way through lovely little neighborhoods with long stretches out in the woods on the greenway where you can take in the serenity of nature. Expect to encounter a hill or two, this is not a flat course. But we will do our best to keep you motivated the whole way as you enjoy your run and the spirit of competition!

The charming town of Davidson offers up a relaxing weekend coupled with reaching your running goals. There are wonderful local places to stay including the Davidson Village Inn and Homewood Suites. You can carb up for your run at one of the many amazing restaurants from Kindred to Mandolino's, to Carrburritos and many more. After you finish your run, whether it is the 5K, 10K, or half marathon, you should bring your friends or family to enjoy the festivities on the green, visit the Farmer's Market and take advantage of the wonderful shops and restaurants. There are so many good places to see, shop and eat that you’ll want to stay for the whole weekend!

For more information about Davidson Lands Conservancy click here.

You must register before September 11th to be guaranteed a t-shirt.