Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI

Date
August 23, 2026
Location
Jackson, MI
Venue
2800 Fourth St.
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $40.00
Events
5k Run, 5k Walk, Kids Fun Run - FREE
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

The Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00 AM on August 23, 2026, in Jackson, Michigan, giving traveling athletes a reasonable window to arrive the morning of the race. The event offers a 1-mile distance at the venue located at 2800 Fourth Street. Entry fees range from free to $40, making it accessible across different budgets. All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics, so your registration directly supports the local special olympics program. Whether you're running or walking, this is a straightforward community event with a charitable focus.

From the Race Organizer
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+),Grand Masters (60+) 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 . T he Heart of a Lion is proud to be part of the ORS Race Series .

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Jackson, MI. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for August 23.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Jackson, MI. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI?

Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI takes place on August 23, 2026. The race is held in Jackson, Michigan.

Where is Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI held?

Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI is held at 2800 Fourth St. in Jackson, Michigan.

Where can I find hotels near Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS* 2026 — Jackson, MI?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Jackson. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.