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 3!

For virtual participants, your race packet can be picked up 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 5-9, 2026 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 6.

Submit Your Virtual Results:
September 1 through Sunday, October 4
Submit Your Virtual Results

Teams:
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, Most Spirited Team, and The Fastest Team (Top 3 Runners from each Team in the in-person 5K Run/Walk) will be awarded on race day!

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 3rd, 2026 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.

SWAG

We offer Youth Medium to Large, Adult Small to 5X-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.

Course Map

https://track.rtrt.me/map/RP-KJS-5K-26

Awards

Overall Top 3 Men, Top 3 Women, and Top 3 Youth (17 and under)

Largest Team, Fastest Team and Most Spirited Team

Race registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.