James Weldon Johnson Birthday Run

The very First Annual JWJ BDAY 5K & Block Party presented by VyStar and 1st Place Sports celebrates the 154th anniversary of James Weldon Johnson’s birth. Runners and walkers of all ages will begin at James Weldon Johnson Park and travel through the LaVilla neighborhood where the Johnson family lived, with historical information about his life along the route. The race finishes back at the park with a block party featuring Food Trucks, games, cake and champagne and DJ to set the festive mood. All proceeds from this event benefit Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, the City’s nonprofit partner that manages Jacksonville’s oldest and most historic park. Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park mission is to bring joy to downtown Jacksonville by engaging with our history, cultivating meaningful partnerships, fostering participation and a sense of belonging, and creating dynamic cultural events. Through our collective efforts, we aim to enrich the community, inspire engagement, and contribute to the continued transformation of downtown Jacksonville into a thriving hub of bustling energy. To learn more about Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park visit www.JamesWeldonJohnsonPark.org or follow @jamesweldonjohnsonpark on social media.