Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*
- Date Sun 23rd August 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Jackson, Michigan
- Price Free - $33.38
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, Olympic
Event summary
Join us for the 12th Annual Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, at the picturesque Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan! Kicking off at 9 a.m., this exciting event promises a fun-filled morning dedicated to supporting the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics. Participants can choose to run or walk the scenic 5K course, with awards given to the top finishers in various age categories, including overall awards for both male and female competitors.
Registration is easy and affordable, with early bird pricing of just $30 available until August 6th, ensuring a guaranteed t-shirt for those who sign up early. Don't miss the chance to cheer on SOMI athletes in the Kids Fun Run following the main event! Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us in making a difference for those with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds will stay local, funding year-round sports training and competitions for the athletes of Jackson County. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of community spirit, fitness, and fun!
Registration is easy and affordable, with early bird pricing of just $30 available until August 6th, ensuring a guaranteed t-shirt for those who sign up early. Don't miss the chance to cheer on SOMI athletes in the Kids Fun Run following the main event! Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us in making a difference for those with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds will stay local, funding year-round sports training and competitions for the athletes of Jackson County. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of community spirit, fitness, and fun!
Organiser's Description
Mark your calendars for the 12TH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN AREA 19 (Jackson County) Heart of a Lion chip timed 5K Run/Walk at the beautiful Ella Sharp Park located at 2800 Fourth St. Jackson, MI 49203.
The race will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 9 a.m. with a SOMI athlete/Kids Fun Run to follow.
PRICING: $30 until 8/6 (shirt guaranteed), $35 from 8/7 to 8/22 (shirts available as supplies last), $40 race day (no shirt guaranteed)
T-SHIRTS guaranteed to those who register by August 6th, supplies available as they last after that date.
OVERALL AWARDS will be given to the top male and female finishers of Open (all ages), and Masters (40+),Grand Masters (60+) in the 5k Run, and 5k Walk.
AGE GROUPS AWARDS to the top 3 places in each age group:
5K RUN AGE GROUPS: 0-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
5K WALK AGE GROUPS: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
PACKET PICK UP will be on Saturday, August 22nd from 3-5 p.m. at the SOMI office located at 210 East McDevitt Jackson, MI 49203. Race day packet pickup will start at 7:00 am at the race location, Ella Sharp Park. Race day registration is available until 8:45 a.m.
PROCEEDS from this race will benefit the JACKSON AREA 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS and will be used to provide year round sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds stay in Jackson, County.
RESULTS will be available live during the event and posted online at this website.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO DOGS PERMITTED AT THIS EVENT. Service dogs excluded. Please see the full policy under Race Info. This is for the safety of both our participants and your dogs. Thank you.
The race will be professionally timed by the MICHIGAN RUNNING FOUNDATION. The Heart of a Lion is proud to be part of the ORS RACE SERIES.
The race will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 9 a.m. with a SOMI athlete/Kids Fun Run to follow.
PRICING: $30 until 8/6 (shirt guaranteed), $35 from 8/7 to 8/22 (shirts available as supplies last), $40 race day (no shirt guaranteed)
T-SHIRTS guaranteed to those who register by August 6th, supplies available as they last after that date.
OVERALL AWARDS will be given to the top male and female finishers of Open (all ages), and Masters (40+),Grand Masters (60+) in the 5k Run, and 5k Walk.
AGE GROUPS AWARDS to the top 3 places in each age group:
5K RUN AGE GROUPS: 0-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
5K WALK AGE GROUPS: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
PACKET PICK UP will be on Saturday, August 22nd from 3-5 p.m. at the SOMI office located at 210 East McDevitt Jackson, MI 49203. Race day packet pickup will start at 7:00 am at the race location, Ella Sharp Park. Race day registration is available until 8:45 a.m.
PROCEEDS from this race will benefit the JACKSON AREA 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS and will be used to provide year round sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds stay in Jackson, County.
RESULTS will be available live during the event and posted online at this website.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO DOGS PERMITTED AT THIS EVENT. Service dogs excluded. Please see the full policy under Race Info. This is for the safety of both our participants and your dogs. Thank you.
The race will be professionally timed by the MICHIGAN RUNNING FOUNDATION. The Heart of a Lion is proud to be part of the ORS RACE SERIES.
Races
-
5k Run
Incl. $3.38 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 23rd August 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.38
-
5k Walk
Incl. $3.38 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 23rd August 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.38
Please sign up for this event if you intend to walk the ENTIRE 3.1 miles. If at any point you plan on running you must register for the 5k run. -
Kids Fun Run - FREE
Sun 23rd August 2026 (10:00AM EDT)
Free
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2800 Fourth St., Jackson, 49203, MI, United States
Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*
