Fall 2026 race highlight: Junior Achievement Race to Achieve 5k

Terra Running Company will be posting a series of blogs highlighting races we will be working with this Fall. Get to know our friends at Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region and join Terra Running at their race: September 19, 2026 in Cleveland. Learn more and register at https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/JARacetoAchieve5k.

‍Q: First things first! Can you introduce yourself and your organization to our readers?

A: Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. Through hands-on programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we partner with schools and local business volunteers to help students build the skills and confidence they need for the future. Each year, we serve thousands of students across Bradley, Cleveland City, Athens City, McMinn, Monroe, Meigs, Polk, and Sweetwater City schools.

Q: Terra Running is excited to be part of your race this fall! How long has the race been going on?

A: We're excited to partner with Terra Running again for the 2026 Race to Achieve! This is an annual event that brings together runners, walkers, families, schools, and local businesses to support Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region. Each year, the race provides our community with an opportunity to stay active while investing in local students through Junior Achievement's financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship programs. We look forward to seeing the event continue to grow and become a favorite community tradition for years to come.

Q: What is the course like?

A:The race will take place at Greenway Park in Cleveland, Tennessee, on a USATF-certified 5K course. Participants can expect a scenic, mostly flat route that's great for competitive runners looking for a fast time as well as first-time runners and walkers who simply want to enjoy a beautiful morning outdoors.

Q: What does the race raise money for?

A: Every registration helps Junior Achievement provide life-changing educational experiences for local students. Funds raised support programs that teach financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, giving young people the knowledge and skills, they need to make smart financial decisions, explore career opportunities, and become future leaders in our community.

Q: What do runners and walkers get for participating in the race?

A: Participants receive a professionally timed race, the opportunity to compete for overall and age group awards, and the satisfaction of supporting local students. We also offer a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk for those looking for a more relaxed experience. One of the most exciting features is our school team competition, where schools can win cash prizes based on their team's average finish time. High school and college teams can win $250, middle schools $150, elementary schools $100, and teacher teams can earn $100 for their schools

Q: What is something unique about your race you would like people to know?

A: This race isn't just about individual achievement—it's about community achievement. By encouraging schools to compete as teams, we're bringing together students, teachers, families, alumni, and community members in a fun and healthy competition while raising funds that directly benefit local youth. Every participant helps invest in the next generation.

Q: What was the idea behind the race?

A: We wanted to create an event that combined health, community spirit, and education. The Race to Achieve gives people an opportunity to stay active while making a meaningful impact on local students. Since the race takes place just after the school year begins, we thought it was the perfect way to kick off the year by rallying our community around education and student success.

Q: When is packet pickup?

A: Early packet pickup will be held on Friday, September 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Junior Achievement office located in Building 15, 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, Tennessee. Participants may also pick up their packets on race morning before the event begins

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: Whether you're chasing a personal record, walking with friends, representing your school, or simply looking for a fun way to support local students, we'd love to have you join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Every step you take helps inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, workers, and community leaders. We encourage everyone—from experienced runners to families with young children—to come out and help us make the inaugural Race to Achieve a memorable event for our community.