Honor hometown champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee and support the youth of East St. Louis in this unique track run during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR race weekend.
📅 Monday, September 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM Start 📍 World Wide Technology Raceway 🏃 Run or Walk
ALL ARE WELCOME: Individual runners, teams, families, friends are invited to register for the JJK5K
Race with a Legend this Labor Day
JJK 5K Run & Walk During the NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway
Add to your Labor Day festivities and don’t miss the fun and excitement of the 4th annual JJK5K Race on September 7th at World Wide Technology Raceway. This will be the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300. This is the fourth annual event honoring our hometown champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
She has dedicated her life after Olympic competition to supporting the youth of East St. Louis. Please join us for this incredible opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments; welcome to the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300 weekend.
Race proceeds benefit the JJK Foundation –a vital part of the Metro East community supporting many youth programs.
WHY
So many once-in-a-lifetime memories in the making!
JJK will present the award medals and be available for photos with participants. All proceeds from the 5K run and walk will benefit the Jackie Joyner-Kersee (JJK) Foundation.
The Experience
It will be a unique experience for a great cause! All activities take place throughout the WWTR facilities including the same track NASCAR drivers race for the Enjoy Illinois 300 race.
Choose your pace: a 5K Run or a 1.25-Mile Walk around the famous oval track.
Event Details
Again, ALL ARE WELCOME: Individual runners, teams, families, friends are invited to register for the JJK5K. Big River Running Co. will again manage the race details – so if you’re going for a personal best or just looking to celebrate the Labor Day weekend the start of the NASCAR weekend, we’re ready for you.
Registration for the 5K includes:
September 7th Schedule
- Arrive & packet pickup at 7:30 AM
- Race starts at 9:00 AM
- Free parking
Registration Details & Fees
Race Packet Pickup:
- Monday, September 7 on site (7:00am-8:30 AM)
- Note: NASCAR tickets will be included in your registration packet
About Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Having been named by Sports Illustrated as the ‘Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century,’ Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s athletic credentials are unquestionably among the best ever in all of sports. A six-time Olympic medalist, including three Olympic gold medals, Joyner-Kersee dominated the Olympic heptathlon and long jump events throughout her career, which spanned four Olympic Games. Astonishingly, despite the advancements in technology and training used by athletes around the world over the last two decades, Jackie Joyner-Kersee still holds the world heptathlon record she set over 20 years ago at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.
Jackie grew up in East St. Louis and was the first woman in history to earn more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon. Having also earned six Olympic medals, Kersee still holds the world heptathlon record, as well as the Olympic and national records in the long jump.
In addition to being one of the top track-and-field athletes of all time, Kersee returned home to give back to her community. She established the JJK Foundation and JJK Center in East St. Louis 23 years ago.
Jackie is committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality after-school programs, safe recreational places within their communities, and caring adults to help them achieve their dreams. Jackie is the heart and soul of this organization and serves as living proof that kids in East St. Louis can dare to dream big. If they have the drive and determination, they can accomplish anything they desire.
Highlights From Last Year
Some of the excitement of 2025 JJK race!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Register here: By August 15th for preferred pricing
- NASCAR tickets will be included in your registration packet
The race will start at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 1, at the WWTR start/finish line.
Yes! Both the JJK5K and walk are on the track! See map at registration link.
- No charge for parking, and it is located on the infield
- If you are picking up a registration packet at will call, it is easier to park in the area indicated on the map and cross the bridge to the infield. To minimize walking, park close to the bridge.
- If you have already picked up your registration packet or wish to park next to the midway, follow the signs to the orange parking area indicated on the map.
All participants receive a custom commemorative T-shirt, a participant medallion honoring Jackie, and medals for the top three finishers in multiple age groups.
- T shirt
- Commemorative event medal
- Free and convenient parking
- Two tickets to the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Race on September 13
- Free downloadable photos for all participants
- Awards for top three finishers in various classes in the 5K
- Target time for starting the JJK5K and 1.25 mile walk (pet) is 3:30.
- Planned for 30 minutes after the end of the truck race.
- Award presentation approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the race.
- At the race!
You will be given a ticket to the Enjoy Illinois 300 which provides access to the JJK5K.
- Gold, silver and bronze medals for male and female first place, second place and third place finishers 14 & under and in five year groups starting at 15 – 19.
- Trophy for male and female top finisher
- Medal for top three finishing pets
Yes, throughout the course.
Yes, midway and infield locations.
Yes
- Jackie will present the awards and be available for photos.