Run for Hope, Walk for Change 5K

Hands of Hope America invites you to join us for our 2nd Annual fundraiser, Run for Hope, Walk for Change 5K on May 2, 2026 at Lake Louisa State Park. This year, our focus is on strengthening and impacting the Four Corners community by addressing critical needs such as mental health awareness, food insecurity, homelessness, and the urgent need for improved resources and services. This event is more than a fundraiser—it is a movement toward creating sustainable change, hope, and support for individuals and families in need.

The race will begin promptly at 7:30 AM, and park entry will open at 6:00 AM. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, packet pickup, and warm-up before the race begins. When entering the park, please follow event signage. Race parking will be located to the right on the grass area, and the 5K start and finish line will be directly to the left of parking area, race-day packet pickup, and participant sign-in.

Participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets in advance to help make race morning smoother. Packet pickup will take place at the Community Foundation of South Lake, located at 2150 Oakley Seaver Dr, Clermont, FL 34711. Early packet pickup will be Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and
Friday, April 24, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. If you are unable to attend early packet pickup, packets will also be available on race morning beginning at 6:00 AM near the start/finish line.

Please note that the race registration fee does not include park admission. Lake Louisa State Park charges $5 per vehicle, which allows entry for up to eight people per vehicle. Additionally, children under 12 years old may participate in the race for free.

The 5K course is entirely on paved road within the park, featuring slight rolling hills and no sand sections, making it suitable for both runners and walkers of all levels.

Thank you for supporting the mission of Hands of Hope America. Your participation helps support programs that provide food assistance, youth empowerment, mental health services, and community outreach initiatives serving families across Polk, Lake, Osceola, and Orange Counties. We look forward to seeing you on race day and appreciate your support in helping us bring hope and resources to our community.