Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*

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.

Join fellow runners on August 23, 2026 for the Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Jackson.