The Pirate 5k Run/Walk

Event Overview

Join us for our 4th Annual Pirate 5k Run/Walk (dress in pirate costume theme if you wish)

Date & Time

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 07:30 am 5k Kicks off
• Registration: on race day between 6:30-7:00 am

Location

• Venue: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
• Address: 315 North Cedar Street
• City: Lincolnton, NC 28092

Packet Pickup

• Date: Friday Aug 14th from 4-6 pm
• Location: At the Parrish house at St. Luke’s
• Saturday Pickup: Aug 15th from 6:30-7 am

Awards

• Categories: Overall Male and Female
• Placements: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group
• Finisher Medal: for all participants
• Age Groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Additional Information

• Shirt Deadline: Guaranteed shirt by Aug. 3rd
• History: The run begins at Historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
• Trail: Runners will access the Lincolnton Rail Trail
• More Info: For further details about St. Luke’s, visit the church website.

About the Rail Trail

The Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail, known locally as the Lincolnton Rail-Trail, is a 1.5-mile paved trail popular with walkers, joggers, bikers, and parents pushing baby strollers. The trail now features benches inviting you to pause while enjoying the scenery of this enchanting town.

The trail showcases the heart of this small Southern town, including a stately courthouse, thriving arts scene, and nearby lakes and mountains. Previously an eyesore, it has transformed into a cherished community asset.

For more information on the Lincolnton Rail Trail

Visit this link.

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 Lafitte did in fact change his name and lived the rest of his life under the pseudonym, “Lorenzo Ferrer” in Lincoln County, North Carolina. The grave is often referred to by locals as “The Pirate’s Grave.”

Current Legends

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

Race Registration

For registration and further details visit here.