5k (In-Person)
Students Only (In-Person)
5K (Virtual)
JA's Will 5K
Saturday, April 17, 2021
9:00 A.M.
Hosted by the Junior Auxiliary of DeSoto County!
Our mission is to bring awareness about the importance of being an organ donor and how this generous gift can make a difference in the life's of others! All funds raised at this fun event will go toward supporting a DeSoto County family that has a child's name waiting on a transplant list or battling a chronic illness.
Awards:
An award will be given to the Overall Male and Female, Masters, and Grandmasters!
Awards will be given in each age group categories: Top 3 males and females:
0-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60+
100 Yard Dash for kids!
Children that want to participate in the 100 yard dash receive a participants one of a kind dog tag!
Biggest Team Trophy Award!
Create your team, and win the Largest Team Trophy Award.
After Party!
DJ and great refreshments! Beer provided by Mississippi Ale House served to those that are 21 years of age and older. Must present ID.
Packet Pickup:
Academy Sports + Outdoors
5075 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654
Thursday, April 15, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
or
Race Day Pick Up Starting at 8:00 am
#WillSmiles is in honor of Life Associate member, Anna Beeman's son, Will. Will was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and liver failure shortly after birth and at the young age of 5 months was blessed with a new liver that saved his life. Throughout Will's journey with long hospital stays and numerous surgeries to help with his chronic illness, Will has always shown his fighting spirit and love through his contagious smile. Because of Will's loving heart, JA feels inspired to help Will spread his story and bring awareness and love to others! While we may not be able to give the gift of an organ or cure on race day, we can show these families that we support and love them! All are encouraged to come run/walk and have some fun!
There is a virtual race option for those who can't participate in person. Separate results will be provided for virtual runners and on site participants. You can download our RaceJoy app (see below) and your results will post on our site. Virtual participants not using the app will be on the honor system. They can manually update their time and receive a shirt. Please see our "Virtual FAQ" below.
Race Timed by: Best Times CCT
Q: Do I have to be in a certain city/state to do this event?
A: Anyone can do the JA's Will 5K (VIRTUAL) wherever you are, on your time between Saturday April 10th and Saturday April 17th! This is great way for families and friends to stay active together, even if you don't live close to each other. However, if you are registered for our JA's Will 5k In-Person event, you will need to toe the "Start Line" at Snowden Grove Baseball Complex at 6450 Getwell Road Southaven MS.
Q: Do I have to run or can I walk?
A: You can run, walk, runwalk ... as long as you are purposefully moving and logging miles, it counts.
Q: Do I have to complete the VIRTUAL 5k at one time?
A: Yes, since this is a "timed" event, you will need to complete your full VIRTUAL 5K during one activity ... not multiple combined activities.
Q: Do I have to put in my miles outside?
A: Preferably you will be able to go outside so you can use our Live GPS tracking app, RaceJoy (see RaceJoy How To below). but if you need to complete your miles inside (on a treadmill, at the gym, etc.) that will be possible with the alternate reporting option.
Q: How do I record my miles/time?
A: The easiest and best way will be to utilize the RaceJoy app (see below) ... you simply hit start on the app and it will register your time in results when you complete 5K distance.. But, if you are unable to carry your phone; will be in a location with poor cell service; or need to complete your miles inside or on a treadmill, then there will be alternate ways to report your time. You can upload directly to the RunSignUp system. Just go to the Results tab (click here) on this webpage and choose "Submit Virtual Results". Virtual results will be presented in a format similar to in person results for recognition only.. Please note, due to the nature of virtual results being reliant on terrain variables, on dependable cell service and honesty, virtual participants will not be eligible for awards, or trophies.
Interactive Race Day Experience with RaceJoy
Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!
We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for JA's Will 5k.
Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!
Some key RaceJoy features include:
GPS Progress Alerts
- Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.
Live GPS Tracking
- Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.
Send-a-Cheer
- Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.
Virtual Results (virtual events only)
- Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Olive Branch City Park
Join this event and invite your friends on Facebook.
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
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