James Weldon Johnson Birthday Run

The Second Annual JWJ BDAY 5K & Block Party presented by VyStar Credit Union and 1st Place Sports celebrates the 155th 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 various food trucks, games, champagne, a DJ to set the festive mood, and cupcakes provided by Noted Marketing. 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. Walk in the footsteps of history, then dance in celebration of a civil rights hero who shaped American culture. An afternoon of community, commemoration, and joy! The run will start and finish at James Weldon Johnson Park, located at 135 West Monroe Street, Jacksonville, Florida. Check in will begin promptly at 7:30am and the run will begin at 8:00am sharp on Saturday, June 20, 2026. 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.