In 53 days · Sun, Aug 23, 2026
When
Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
Where
2800 Fourth St., Jackson MI
Distance
5K
About this race
Event Overview
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
- Early Registration: $30 until 8/6 (shirt guaranteed)
- Pre-Race Registration: $35 from 8/7 to 8/22 (shirts available as supplies last)
- Race Day Registration: $40 (no shirt guaranteed)
T-Shirts
T-Shirts guaranteed to those who register by August 6th, supplies available as they last after that date.
Awards
- 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 Group 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 Pickup
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
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
Results will be available live during the event and posted online at this website.
Important Notes
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.
Register Now
For more information and to register, visit the Heart of a Lion race page.
Course map
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Run clubs near Jackson to train with before race day.
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