10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue

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. 

By attending KJ's 5k, you can make a difference!  Join us on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 to support suicide prevention and education in Summit County and help take care of homeless animals. Proceeds benefit Portage Path Behavioral Health and select animal charities. Donations can also be given by going to this linked fundraiser page. Donations can also be made through the registration process.

Volunteer:
If you would like to volunteer at our event please sign up under this link volunteer section.

If you'd like to join a team for the race, please select Become a Fundraiser during registration and then join the Fundraising Team you'd like to participate with. Prizes for the Largest Team, The Fastest Team (Top 3 Runners from each Team in the in-person 5K Run/Walk), and the Top Team Fundraiser (The team that raised the most donations) will be awarded on race day!