For the Long Run

Wide Open by Bek Mitchell-Kidd | photography courtesy of Facebook DLC’s Run for Green celebrates 16th year Spaces This year’s Run for Green will take place on Oct. 2.

Run for Green typically attracts almost 900 runners of all skill levels.

Now in its 16th year, “Run for Green” is the Davidson Lands Conservancy’s (DLC) flagship fundraising event and is the second largest event on the annual calendar for the town of Davidson.

Starting on South Street, the course takes runners through some of Davidson’s most scenic areas including several neighborhoods, and highlights many of the popular greenways, wildlife corridors, and “Treasure Trees” (trees designated by DLC as having a story to tell, concluding with a post-race get together on the town green.

“The Davidson Green is a great area for celebrating finishers and medal winners and for our sponsor booths, live music and beer garden,” says Dave Cable, Executive Director for Davidson Land Conservancy. “Run for Green alludes to supporting green ideas like land conservation, but you are also literally running to get to the Davidson Green!”

With a need for cooler temps this year’s event has been moved to Oct. 2 and marks a return to in-person after last year’s virtual race. There’s still a virtual “run anywhere” option this year.

The race typically attracts almost 900 runners who are a mix of individuals, team-affiliated, and family groups. The race consists of 5 and 10k distances, and a half marathon with a reputation for being challenging.

Now in its 21st year, Davidson Lands Conservancy’s mission is to conserve local lands and natural resources, connect lives to nature, and promote a conservation ethic. They advance their mission through education and through four conservation pillars or programs: land conservation and stewardship; greenways and trails; urban forestry; and wildlife habitat. The idea for the race started when the DLC board was trying to find an appropriate set of fundraising ideas that fit in with the ideals of the non-profit organization and were also a good fit with the town. Plus, it helped that one of the original board members was long-time Davidson College track coach, Sterling Martin.

“Run For Green is a wonderful community engagement event that inspires good health and a strong community, both are core and complementary to conservation, and to making Davidson a great place to live,” says Paul Freestone, DLC board vice president.

During the race, spectators can track and support their loved ones via the app RaceJoy. “For those folks who run with their smartphone, the app allows their fans to track their progress and offer encouragement. It also allows us to share information about special trees along the course for the runners to identify,” says Freestone.

Cable says his favorite part of the event is “The high levels of energy, enthusiasm, excitement, and determination of the runners.” (In 2019, one fan set up a full drum kit next to the West Branch Rocky River Greenway at Robert Walker drive to help inspire runners.) “Folks love this event. And of course, I love what the race does to advance local conservation. Run For Green has grown to be an important institution in Davidson, not only because it brings communities together, but also because of the long-term advances of conservation that it supports.”

Register to run or volunteer and view course maps:

www.runsignup.com/Race/NC/Davidson/RunForGreen

Learn more about Davidson Land Conservancy:

www.davidsonlands.org or look for their table at the Davidson Farmers Market