On Saturday, May 23, 2026, more than 500 runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gathered in Jacksonville‘s historic Springfield neighborhood for Operation New Hope’s 5th Annual Hope Starts Here 5K. The event, which also included a family-friendly 1-Mile Fun Run, brought the community together to celebrate hope, opportunity, and second chances while raising funds to support individuals rebuilding their lives after involvement with the justice system.
As the largest Hope Starts Here 5K to date, this year’s event demonstrated the growing support for Operation New Hope’s mission and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.
What Is Operation New Hope?
Founded in Jacksonville in 1999, Operation New Hope is Florida’s Statewide Reentry Network, helping individuals impacted by the justice system successfully return to the workforce, their families, and their communities. Since its founding, the nonprofit has served more than 20,000 Floridians through workforce development, career training, employment assistance, mental health services, transitional housing, transportation support, and other wraparound services.
Today, Operation New Hope serves communities across Florida, including Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and the Space Coast, while continuing to call Jacksonville home.
A Jacksonville 5K with Purpose
The race began and ended at Operation New Hope’s Jacksonville headquarters on North Main Street. Participants followed an out-and-back course featuring a section of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail, one of the city’s growing networks of connected greenways and trails.
Volunteers from Operation New Hope and Florida Capital Bank staffed water stations along the route, while dozens of supporters lined the course to encourage participants throughout the morning. At the finish line, runners and walkers were greeted with medals, water, and enthusiastic cheers from volunteers and community members.
The event welcomed participants of all ages and experience levels, with more than 450 people completing the 5K and over 50 participants joining the 1-Mile Fun Run.
Community Support Makes the Mission Possible
Before the race began, Operation New Hope President and CEO Reggie Fullwood welcomed participants and reflected on the significance of the event. Because the race took place during Memorial Day weekend, Fullwood first recognized and thanked members of the United States military for their service and sacrifice. He then shared how community support directly fuels Operation New Hope’s work throughout Jacksonville and beyond.
“You have made this our biggest race ever,” Fullwood told participants. “We thank you all for your continued support.“
He emphasized that creating lasting change requires a strong network of community partners, including employers, housing providers, faith communities, volunteers, and supporters who believe in second chances. All funds raised through the Hope Starts Here 5K will support Operation New Hope’s programs and services in Jacksonville.
Sponsors and Partners Champion Second Chances
The event featured sponsor and partner booths where participants could learn more about organizations investing in the Jacksonville community and supporting Operation New Hope’s mission.
Community partners including AC Panda, VyStar Credit Union, and Exercise is Medicine on Campus at the University of North Florida met with attendees throughout the morning, sharing information about their services and why they choose to support second chances.
Operation New Hope staff were also onsite to educate participants about the organization’s programs, including Ready4Work, its flagship workforce development program.
Ready4Work provides career development training, technology and financial literacy education, employment readiness skills, job placement support, and ongoing coaching for individuals reentering the workforce. Participants also have access to comprehensive support services, including case management, mental health counseling, transportation assistance, transitional housing, resume development, and job coaching.
These services help individuals overcome barriers, secure employment, and build long-term stability for themselves and their families.
Celebrating Participants and Community
Following the conclusion of the 1-Mile Fun Run, participants gathered outside neighboring Strings Sports Brewery for the race awards ceremony. Top finishers in each age division received awards presented by Fullwood, while participants enjoyed connecting with fellow runners, supporters, sponsors, and community members.
As a longtime Operation New Hope partner and supporter of second-chance employment opportunities, Strings Sports Brewery also welcomed participants to celebrate after the race. The festive atmosphere reflected what makes the Hope Starts Here 5K special. It is a celebration of community, resilience, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to build a better future.
Looking Ahead
Each year, the Hope Starts Here 5K continues to grow, bringing together more Jacksonville residents who believe in strengthening communities through opportunity, employment, and support. The success of the 2026 event serves as a powerful reminder that when communities invest in people, positive change is possible.
For Operation New Hope, hope begins when individuals are given the resources and support they need to succeed, communities come together to remove barriers and create opportunities, and when people choose to believe in second chances. Hope starts here!
