James Weldon Johnson Birthday 5K
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James Weldon Johnson Birthday 5K and Block Party
The James Weldon Johnson Birthday 5K and Block Party is a community race and celebration held at James Weldon Johnson Park, 135 West Monroe Street, Jacksonville, Florida. The event marks the 155th anniversary of James Weldon Johnson’s birth and routes participants through the LaVilla neighborhood with historical information about his life along the course.
The running options include:
- 5K
- One Mile
The 5K course is described as flat and fast and passes historic Stanton and the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing site in LaVilla. Race services include chip timing, official race shirts for entrants, and medals for all finishers. Overall and age-group awards are presented, and there is a team competition with separate corporate and open team divisions.
After the run the event continues with a block party in the park. The post-race celebration features food trucks, music with a DJ, games, champagne, and birthday cupcakes. All event proceeds benefit Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, the nonprofit partner that manages the park and organizes cultural and community programming there. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
