Jacksonville – Walk in the footsteps of history, then dance in celebration of a civil rights hero who shaped American culture. A day of community, commemoration, and joy!
Jacksonville is invited to come out on Saturday June 20th at 8am for the JWJ Bday 5K. Runners and walkers of all ages will set off from James Weldon Johnson Park via the “Along This Way Race Route”, which winds through the historic LaVilla neighborhood where James Weldon Johnson and his family once called home. The route includes a cheer station with music at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, the actual former home site of the brothers. The “Along This Way Race Route”, meant to be run or walked at a “Party Pace” to enjoy interactive stations with stories of James Weldon Johnson’s remarkable life. The journey ends where it began - back at JWJ Park - with a joyful Block Party featuring food trucks, games, champagne, DJ Rantz, and cupcakes courtesy of Noted Marketing.
Every dollar raised goes directly to the Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, the City’s nonprofit partner devoted to preserving Jacksonville’s oldest and most treasured park.
Food Trucks * DJ * Games * Cupcakes * History * Interactive Race Route * Prizes
Register today at: tinyurl.com/JWJBDay5k2026