2026 HOH 5k Recap

2026 Race Recap: The Ultimate Throwback

The 2026 Heights of Hope 5K was a blast from the past! Our racers and volunteers went all in on the decades theme and showed up with speed, enthusiasm, costumes, props, and plenty of decades spirit!

The course was fast this year, with 14 sub-20-minute finishes. Adalyn Raab had an especially impressive night, crushing the 15-year-old women's course record with a time of 17:53! But we celebrated everyone who crossed the finish line, including the jogging hot dog, and everyone went home with a congratulatory slap bracelet.

Our favorite traditions were back: the legendary giant case of toilet paper, Flash's themed photo booth, Earl's Meats sandwiches, hand-picked blueberries, Biggby iced coffee, and the stroller division trophies. AJ Westendorp claimed the men's stroller division for the fourth year in a row. At this rate, we're not sure whether his daughter will age out of the stroller first or simply get too heavy to keep him going that fast!

This year, Flash also shared his toy box filled with toys from different decades, including View-Masters from the 1940s and a huge Hot Wheels track. The highlight may have been Harrison winning Flash's raffle and sprinting over from the playground with an enthusiasm that inspired us all!

Our SOAR Neighborhood Leadership Team transformed the Heights of Hope Community Center with an '80s and '90s theme, complete with a giant boombox that ended up in many race selfies. And we spotted flamingos dressed as Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and Elvis throughout the evening. Pretty sure we have the most creative neighbors around!

But as much as we love the costumes, music, prizes, and all the little traditions that make this race special, our favorite part is always the same: seeing our neighborhood and our wider Heights of Hope community come together. Thank you to every racer, volunteer, road warrior, sponsor, neighbor, and supporter who helped make this year's race such a memorable night.

We'll see you next FALL!

Save the Date for the 17th Annual 5k and 1.5 Mile Fun Run 

as we change to a FALL race:

Saturday evening, SEPTEMBER 18, 2027!