5K Run / Walk for Clean Water 2026 — Salisbury, NC

Why Water? The global water crisis doesn’t always make headlines. But the truth is that it claims more lives each year than war. Globally, 1.8 billion people – that’s about one out of every four people – drink from contaminated water sources. Unsafe water leads to illnesses that claim the lives of 840,000 people each year, almost half of whom are children under the age of five. What’s more, women and children spend hours each day collecting water. This keeps them from school, work, and time with family. This keeps families and communities from learning, earning an income, and contributing to the local economy. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Global Water Ministry. Race Course (see course map below): Runners and walkers will enjoy a 3.1 mile road course starting from Grace Lutheran Church parking lot and turning into the gently rolling neighborhood of Grace Ridge to loop through all three neighborhood phases of Grace Ridge. This race is for recreational runners and walkers as well as competitive runners. The fun run course will be held on Grace Lutheran property. Race Day Check-In: 7:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. on site. Race day registration will be 5k: $30, Fun Run: $5 5K Course Records : Male: 17:22 (2024), Female: 19:59 (2025) Awards - 5K: Overall Top 3 Male & Female and Overall Masters Male & Female awards will be given. $100 cash prize for first overall male/female, $50 cash prize for second/third overall male/female, and $50 cash prize for first overall male/female masters! The top 3 runners in each of the following divisions will receive awards: Male and Female ages 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & over. Age group awards - Sports beanie with logo! Awards - Fun Run (8 & under): Overall top 3 Male & Female finishers. $25 cash prize for first overall male/female (ages 8 & under) . All fun run participants will receive a finisher's medal. Long Sleeved T-shirts for participants (guaranteed if registered by October 31) HUSHPUPPIES!!! Again this year - fresh, hot hushpuppies for all participants at the end of the race.