KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

• Name: 9th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue
• Location: Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
• Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Check-in: 8:00 am - Check-in Begins
• Start Time: 9:00 am - 5K Run/Walk Start
• Awards Ceremony: 10:30 am - Awards Ceremony, Remembrance, and Presentation

🌐 Virtual Option

• Description: KJ's has a 5K virtual option! You can run, walk, crawl, bike or otherwise complete the 5K anywhere you choose without starting line crowds.
• Distance: Complete a 5K (3.1 mile) distance anytime between September 1 through October 4!
• Packet Pickup: For virtual participants, race packets can be picked up at our branch or mailed for an additional $5.
• Contents: Race packet includes a custom KJ's 5K t-shirt & a unique custom designed finisher's medal.

📦 Packet Pickup and Mailing

• Dates: Packet Pickup from October 6-10, 2025, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Portage Path Behavioral Health, 340 South Broadway Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.
• Mailing: Packets will be mailed out on Tuesday, October 7.
• Submit Results: September 1 through October 4 at Submit Your Virtual Results.

💲 Pricing

• In-Person Pricing: Age 15 and under: $10.00 until August 31, $15.00 until September 30, $20.00 up to Event Day.
• In-Person Pricing: Age 16 and up: $25.00 until August 31, $30.00 until September 30, $35.00 up to Event Day.
• Virtual Option: $30.00 up to October 4, plus $5 for packet shipping.
• T-Shirt Sizes: Available from Youth Large, Adult Small to 3X-Large, & No Shirt option.

🏅 Awards

• Categories: Overall Top 3 Men
• Categories: Overall Top 3 Women
• Categories: Overall Top 3 Youth
• Focus: Support local Mental Health and Animal Rescue organizations.

💔 Cause and Impact

• Mental Health Crisis: KJ's 5K aims to stem the tide of the suicide epidemic.
• Stats: In 2023, the U.S. recorded over 49,000 deaths by suicide.
• Local Concern: In Summit County, the suicide rate stands at 17 per 100,000, nearly 15% above the national average.
• Join Us: Join us on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, to support suicide prevention and help homeless animals.

🤝 Volunteer

• Opportunity: If you would like to volunteer at our event please sign up under this link volunteer section.