KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue
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10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue
The event is a community 5K held on October 3, 2026 at Portage Lakes State Park in Akron, Ohio. It offers both an in-person 5K run/walk and a virtual 5K option that may be completed anywhere between September 1 and October 4, 2026.
Distances:
- 5K in-person run or walk
- 5K virtual completion option
Registration opens July 1, 2026 and pricing uses tiered deadlines. In-person fees are lower earlier and increase toward the event day with separate rates for ages 15 and under and for ages 16 and up. The virtual option has a separate fee and an optional $5 fee to mail a race packet.
Virtual race packets include a custom event t-shirt and a custom finisher medal; packets may be picked up locally or mailed after the event. Packet pickup is scheduled the week after the event at a local behavioral health location, and mailed packets are sent the week after.
Awards are given to the overall top three men, top three women, and top three youth 17 and under, plus team awards for largest, fastest, and most spirited teams. T-shirt sizes are offered from youth medium through adult 5XL; sizes requested by the registration deadline are guaranteed, later requests are subject to availability.
Proceeds benefit local mental health services and animal rescue charities. The event is listed as a member event of the Ohio Challenge Series. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
