One of the hardest things to do in a church is to begin a ministry or event and then end a ministry or event. Both require a process and intentionality. The North Hills 5K (NH5K) started as a fundraising effort, launching and supporting the BackPack Buddies program at North Raleigh Ministries (NRM). As an NRM community partner, we were delighted to host the event at Trinity beginning in 2006. As you can imagine, this type of event took great planning and intentionality. Hosting this event met two important goals for TBC – supporting NRM’s new program providing weekend meals to children, the second, to create a fun event that would welcome community members to our campus for us to meet and engage our neighbors. Over 20-plus years, we have been able to achieve these goals.
Twenty Years of Impact
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, we held our 20th and final NH5K. These 20 races have welcomed thousands of people to our campus and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various local ministries – BackPack Buddies via NRM, Note in the Pocket, and Raleigh Rescue Mission. Through the generous gifts of many local companies, vendors, and church members, we have supported these ministries and made a difference in so many lives.
Made Possible by Faithful Volunteers
All of this has occurred due to the faithful work of so many people. We have had a constant faithful group of volunteers who helped with registration, race day setup, food preparation, and course management. Over the years, our TBC Recreation directors have supported the NH5K Lead team – Rev. Spencer Good was the minister who helped begin this event, and Rev. Christian Davis and Mrs. Laury Holley have continued to give leadership. However, 
the event’s success is due primarily to a devoted lead team who has led our church in this ministry. Christie Fry and Amanda Gayle have served as co-chairs for two decades and given hours upon hours of their time to make our race a success. They’ve had a devoted group on their lead team – Ren Wiles and Steve Patrick (course preparation & logistics), Stephanie Treadway (volunteer coordinator), Charla Peel (written communication to TBC neighbors), and Lisa Paula (funding advisor)- with the Lead Team as a whole responsible for securing sponsorships to cover race expenses and donations to beneficiaries. We cannot thank all these church members and leaders enough for their hard work.
Closing One Chapter
After 20 years, the NH5K Lead Team made the difficult decision to conclude the event, a choice that ultimately felt like the right one. Much has changed since we began the race. Our immediate community has changed, creating several challenges regarding the racecourse and timing of the event. Our church has changed with an increase in volunteers in so many mission endeavors. In addition, when we began the race, we were one of just a few in North Raleigh. The addition of so many races has also created a challenge.
Looking Ahead
As we’ve made this choice for us to end the NH5K, we should spend this time giving thanks to God for all the good that has come from this event. Our Recreation Committee is now dreaming of new ways we can continue to be a part of community outreach on our campus. We are looking forward to new partnerships and our continued involvement with our neighbors.
Thank you again to the NH5K lead team, the dedicated volunteers who made each event a reality, the Recreation Committee, and all who have participated over our 20 years of races. You made a difference in our community and in the lives of children and families whose lives are forever changed by your donations and participation.
