Heart of a Lion 5K Run/Walk *All proceeds benefit the Jackson Area 19 SPECIAL OLYMPICS*

Mark your calendars for the 12th Annual Special Olympics Michigan Area 19 (Jackson County) Heart of a Lion chip timed 5K Run/Walk at the beautiful Ella Sharp Park located at 2800 Fourth St. Jackson, MI 49203.

The race will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 9 a.m. with a SOMI athlete/Kids Fun Run to follow.

Pricing: $30 until 8/6 (shirt guaranteed), $35 from 8/7 to 8/22 (shirts available as supplies last), $40 race day (no shirt guaranteed) 

T-Shirts guaranteed to those who register by August 6th, supplies available as they last after that date. 

Overall Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers of Open (all ages), and Masters (40+), in the 5k Run, and 5k Walk.

Age Groups Awards to the top 3 places in each age group: 

5k Run age groups: 0-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+

5k Walk age groups: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Packet pick up will be on Saturday, August 22nd from 3-5 p.m. at the SOMI office located at 210 East McDevitt Jackson, MI 49203. Race day packet pickup will start at 7:00 am at the race location, Ella Sharp Park. Race day registration is available until 8:45 a.m.

Proceeds from this race will benefit the Jackson Area 19 Special Olympics and will be used to provide year round sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. All proceeds stay in Jackson, County.

Results will be available live during the event and posted online at this website. 

Please note there are no dogs permitted at this event. Service dogs excluded. Please see the full policy under Race Info. This is for the safety of both our participants and your dogs. Thank you. 

The race will be professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. The Heart of a Lion is proud to be part of the ORS Race Series.

This race is part of the 2026 ORS Race Series

ORS is proud to be the title sponsor of the ORS Race Series with races of all distances and challenge levels throughout the year.

Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists is the leading physical therapy, athletic training and sports performance coaching company in the Jackson area.

The ORS Race Series mission is to create and support opportunities for Jackson and the surrounding communities to get out and move, and to support a healthy and fit lifestyle for all ages.

To learn more click here: ORS Race Series

ORS Race Series has adopted a NO dog/animal policy for race participants, volunteers, and spectators.  We are adopting this in an abundance of caution for the safety of all people attending and participating in our races.  

Please be it known that we are dog lovers and many of our race directors have and train with animals of their own.  Unfortunately, even good dogs, dogs that are leashed, muzzled can cause problems at our races.  Dogs, can intimidate other visitors; and not everyone is comfortable around dogs. They can also be injured in fights with other animals or unintentionally hinder safe travelling/passing along the courses.

To prevent these problems and more, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY ORS RACE SERIES RACE. Unfortunately, the behaviors of a few dog owners in the past have highlighted that allowing dogs at our events is a liability we cannot shoulder. Should your family or friends bring a dog to the event, you will be immediately disqualified from the event. It is your responsibility to ensure they know to leave poochie at home.

**NOTE: Service dogs are allowed; in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, including titles II and III of the law. Those that wish to run/walk with a service animal, please communicate directly with the specific race director to provide supporting documentation, as well as have the animal in their appropriate service animal attire on race day.  We will also ask that you start at the back of the group to allow the crowd to disperse, allowing an open road course for participants.

2023 Form coming soon

Get the word out to your friends about this great race! When you refer 3 or more participants you'll get a refund of up to $10.00! Details provided at checkout.

If you would like to support our cause and get a free entry to the race donate $100. When you register for the race your entry will be free! Simply Sign Up and follow the steps to register and on the donation screen enter $100. ($30 discount applied during checkout. Free entry valid until August 6th, then it's a $30 discount off a $100 donation) Donation discounts for donations of $75, $50 and $25. Any donation amount is appreciated. Thank you for your support!

Minor course change -  the finish line has been moved into the parking lot that is furthest south in front of the museum and the start line has been adjusted accordingly.