14th Annual Happy Jack 5K 2026

Description

The Happy Jack 5K is an annual, family-friendly walk/run honoring the life of our son, John Thomas “Happy Jack” Doyle. All proceeds benefit The Happy Jack Fund, which provides annual scholarships to high school students who have lost a sibling, while also supporting families navigating the loss of a child.

The race takes place in West Nyack, NY, and is an officially timed, out-and-back course beginning and ending at Germonds Park. Traffic along the course is safely managed by the Clarkstown Police Department. Prior to the main event, we also host a kids’ fun run open to all ages.

Registration is now open, and we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible. Race shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 registered participants in the main event (kids’ race participants will not receive a shirt). All participants—both kids and adults—will receive a participation medal.

We also encourage participants to form teams. The top five teams with the most registrations will be awarded trophies. If you need assistance setting up a team, please contact us at racecommittee@happyjackfund.org.

We are excited to return for our 14th Annual Race and are incredibly grateful for the continued support over the years. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line.

Sincerely,

The Happy Jack Race Committee

Description

Join The Happy Jack Fund at our 13th Annual Happy Jack 5K on October 17, 2026, at Germonds Park West Nyack, NY

The Course

This is an out and back style race starting in the parking lot of Germonds Park in West Nyack, NY, exit left out of the park and follow Germonds road to the end making another left hand turn until you make a right turn onto Lyncrest Avenue. Follow Lyncrest to the end making a right onto Shetland Drive, taking that to the end and make a right onto Teakwood Lane (turns into Stratford Place). Take that to the end and make a right onto Jolen Drive and then a left onto Whitewood Drive. This will take you back out to Germonds Road where you turn left and then a quick right and follow it back to the park where the finish line is located.

Walkers will follow the same route (behind the runners) and once on Lyncrest you make a right onto Jolen Drive and then a right onto Whitewood Drive.

The race course is clearly marked with signs and will also have our volunteers there to direct and support you.

Event Shirts

Event shirts will be given out to the first 200 participants who register. Sizes are not guaranteed and will be given out as supplies last. Race bib and shirt pick up will be held on Friday October 16, 2026, at District 96 in New City and will also be available on race day stating at 7:30am.

Results and Awards

Awards will be given to the top Female & Male overall winners as well as the top 5 Teams with the best with the most registered runner/walkers in main race.

Age group awards in the race will be awarded to the top 3 female and male in each of the following age groups; 9-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+.

Parking and Bathrooms

All participants and spectators can park in the lower parking lot of Germonds Park. Do not park in the coned area and/or near the stage. Bathrooms are located on the West side of the parking lot.

Covid Safety

All participants are required to sign the waiver upon signing up. You may not attend the event if you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive in the fourteen (14) days prior to the event. Should you test positive in the fourteen (14) days after the event you must notify The Happy Jack Fund at racecommittee@happyjackfund.org so that we may notify staff and participants as necessary.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this event, please contact us at racecommittee@happyjackfund.org

Race Proceeds

All proceeds from this event will be used towards The Happy Jack Annual Scholarships as well as supporting Families wi