Operation Jake
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Operation Jake 5K Run and Walk
Operation Jake is a community 5K run and walk held at Herrin Park in Herrin, Illinois. The event takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and features an opening ceremony with a short presentation, followed by the 5K run and walk. Awards will be presented after the race, and a live band plus other family friendly activities are scheduled to follow.
The event supports Down the Leash Service Dogs, a 501(c)(3) veteran run nonprofit that provides a safe space for veterans and teaches basic and advanced dog handling skills for veterans' own service dogs. Down the Leash describes itself as a long term support network for veterans and their families and reports having helped over 60 veterans and their families in three years of operation. Training activities are conducted from the Masonic Lodge in Herrin every Sunday afternoon.
Funds raised at the event are intended to help cover the costs of training and equipment for service dogs. The organizer notes that the cost to train a service dog can exceed $20,000 and that these costs are not covered under VA benefits. The registration fee is listed as $35. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
