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
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 12th Annual Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk, taking place on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, at the picturesque Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan. This spirited event kicks off at 9 a.m. and promises a fun-filled day for participants of all ages, including a special SOMI athlete/Kids Fun Run following the main race. With a chip-timed 5K Run and Walk, this event caters to everyone—whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Registration is open now, with early bird pricing at just $30 until August 6th, ensuring you get a guaranteed shirt! As the race day approaches, prices will increase, so be sure to secure your spot early. Awards will be handed out to the top male and female finishers, as well as to the top three in each age group, making this not only a fun event but a competitive one too. Proceeds from the Heart of a Lion 5K directly benefit the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics, supporting year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Join us for a day of community spirit, fitness,
Registration is open now, with early bird pricing at just $30 until August 6th, ensuring you get a guaranteed shirt! As the race day approaches, prices will increase, so be sure to secure your spot early. Awards will be handed out to the top male and female finishers, as well as to the top three in each age group, making this not only a fun event but a competitive one too. Proceeds from the Heart of a Lion 5K directly benefit the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics, supporting year-round sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Join us for a day of community spirit, fitness,
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+), 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+), 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
OPENS 01 MAR 26 -
5k Walk
Incl. $3.38 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 23rd August 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.38
OPENS 01 MAR 26Please 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
OPENS 01 MAR 26
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2800 Fourth St., Jackson, 49203, MI, United States
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Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*
