The Second Annual Help Them Stay 5K will be held in Jonesboro, Arkansas on October 10, 2026 at Craighead Forest Park Pavilion 1. This event is hosted by King’s Ranch Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children from traumatic beginnings stay in loving, forever homes.
5k
5K • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $34.09
Kids Fun Run!
Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $23.39
Spirit Runner
5K • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $39.44
Virtual 5K
5K • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $28.74
Race morning finds the park serene and inviting, with the crisp autumn air setting an ambiance of calm anticipation for participants. The pavilion serves as both start and finish point, surrounded by the lush greenery and natural beauty of Craighead Forest Park, offering a picturesque backdrop to this community event. As runners and walkers prepare on race day, they will find the park's firm yet slightly soft trail conditions well-suited for the 5K run.
The inaugural year saw around 200 participants, and the event has grown in both scope and significance every subsequent year. This edition promises to continue supporting King’s Ranch Ministries' mission with its chipped race timing, water stations, and a family-friendly Kids FUN RUN preceding the main 5K race. Strollers are welcome as well.
The course venue is Craighead Forest Park Pavilion 1, where runners will start at 8:45 am on October 10th. The terrain offers firm footing but may soften slightly with early morning dew, making for a comfortable run. There will be water stations along the route to keep participants hydrated and aid stations available should they need any support.
Weather conditions forecasted for race day in Jonesboro predict an average temperature of 18.3°C, with minimums dipping as low as 13.2°C and maximums reaching up to 23.4°C. The humidity level is expected at around 65.7%, which feels quite comfortable on a fall morning. A moderate UV index suggests that sunscreen may be wise even if the sun isn't blazing overhead, with about nine hours of sunshine anticipated.
The race offers distances of 5K for adults and a Kids FUN RUN. There's also an option to participate in a Spirit Runner challenge or join as part of a virtual 5K experience from anywhere around the world.
For those wishing to secure their preferred size shirt, register by September 21 at midnight. The registration URL is https://raceroster.com/events/2026/117314/2nd-annual-help-them-stay-5k-kings-ranch-ministries. Race-day packet pickup will be held near the start/finish line, and participants are encouraged to arrive by 8 AM.
The event's focus on supporting King’s Ranch Ministries’ mission of helping children find forever homes makes it a significant community gathering. The race is not only about running but also about contributing to this noble cause.
