10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue
Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
- Type
- Run
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Run or walk for a dual cause: supporting mental health awareness and animal rescue efforts in Summit County.
- Competitive
- For a Cause
Competitive
For a CauseGreat for
- Kids & Youth
Kids & YouthJoin the 10th Annual KJ's 5K, a meaningful run or walk supporting both mental health and animal rescue initiatives. Held at Portage Lakes State Park in Akron, this event offers an in-person 5K on October 3, 2026, alongside a flexible virtual option. Your participation helps stem the tide of suicide and supports homeless animals in Summit County, making a tangible difference in the community.
From the organizer
10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
In Person: Saturday, October 3, 2026 8:00 am Check in Begins 9:00 am 5K Run/Walk Start 10:30 am Awards Ceremony, Remembrance, and Presentation
Virtual Option: KJ's has a 5k virtual option too! A virtual 5k means you can run, walk, crawl, bike or otherwise complete the 5k without worrying about the starting line crowds at a traditional in-person 5k. The world is your trail! You can complete a 5k (3.1 mile) distance anywhere you choose, any time between September 1 through October 4!
For virtual participants, your race packet can be pickup at our branch or mailed for additional $5. It will include a custom KJ's 5k t-shirt & a unique custom designed finishers medal.
Packet Pickup: October 6-10, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Portage Path Behavioral Health 340 South Broadway Street Akron, Ohio 44308
Packet Mailing: Will be mailed out on Tuesday, October 7.
Submit Your Virtual Results: September 1 through October 4 Submit Your Virtual Results
Pricing: In-Person: -Age 15 and under: ---$10.00 until August 31 ---$15.00 until September 30 ---$20.00 up to Event Day -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 if shipping your packet
T-Shirt: We offer Youth Large, Adult Small to 3X-Large, & No Shirt option. After September 15th, t-shirts are first come first serve, and not guaranteed. If you registered on the 15th or before, your t-shirt will be available in the size requested.
Awards: Overall Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women and Top 3 Youth
Organization: We run in support of local Mental Health and Animal Rescue organizations.
KJ's 5K aims to stem the tide of the suicide epidemic. For the last 23 years, the suicide rate has increased nationwide by over 37.1%. In 2023 alone, the U.S. recorded over 49,000 deaths by suicide, over 1.5 million suicide attempts and 1 death every 11 minutes. Here in Summit County, the suicide rate stands at 17 per 100,000, or nearly 15% ABOVE the national average.
