Steel Magnolia 5K
Race Information
Sunday, October 25th 2026 | 0900 Start
Dolphin Green & Larry Strom Amphitheater on 91香蕉视频 Campus
Join 91香蕉视频 NROTC for the 2nd Annual Steel Magnolia 5K, a growing Homecoming tradition that celebrates resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the JU community.
Freshly inaugurated in 2025, the Steel Magnolia 5K brings together alumni, students, families, active-duty service members, veterans, and friends of 91香蕉视频 for a morning of fitness, fellowship, and school pride. Whether you're chasing a personal record or simply enjoying a scenic walk with friends, runners and walkers of all levels are invited to experience one of Homecoming Weekend's most meaningful events.
Participants may choose between a professionally timed 5K race route or a 1-Mile Fun Walk, making the event accessible for competitors, families, and supporters alike.
Following the race, participants are encouraged to continue the celebration at Sunday on the St. Johns, 91香蕉视频's signature Homecoming Sunday event. Enjoy a relaxing riverside brunch, reconnect with classmates and friends, and take in the beautiful views of the St. Johns River while celebrating another successful Homecoming weekend.
Registration
Registration is now OPEN!
How to Register
register for the steel magnolia 5k
This gives us all we need to know about you, like your event selection and t-shirt sizes.
That's it! See you on race day! 鈿擆煇�
Registration Includes:
- Official Steel Magnolia 5K race shirt
- Custom finisher medal
- Professional chip timing (5K participants)
- Race bib
- Complimentary beer band for participants age 21 and older
- Access to post-race festivities and Homecoming activities like Sunday on the St. Johns
Race Route
Our race route highlights the best of our campus scenery and riverfront access, and a sneak peak of what our students run and hike through for training! Please be aware that our race route includes both road and trail running, as this crosses through the back hiking trail on campus.
Our route map is currently unavailable and will be posted for viewing soon.
Why Steel Magnolia?
The Steel Magnolia 5K honors the legacy of Tillie K. Fowler, a Jacksonville leader whose life embodied the strength, grace, and commitment to service that define this event.
Tillie K. Fowler
Former House Representative, Florida 4th Congressional District
Biography
Tillie Kidd Fowler (1942鈥�2005) was born in Midgeville, Georgia, and earned both her undergraduate degree and law degree from Emory University.
After beginning her career as a lawyer and working in Washington, D.C., Fowler and her family made Jacksonville their home in 1971. She quickly became a dedicated member of the Jacksonville community, serving as president of the Junior League of Jacksonville before entering public office. She went on to serve on the Jacksonville City Council, becoming the first woman and first Republican to serve as Council President, before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represented Jacksonville and Northeast Florida for four terms from 1993 to 2001.
Throughout her career, Fowler was a strong advocate for national security, the military, and the Jacksonville community. Her service continued beyond Congress through leadership and advisory roles focused on defense and naval affairs, earning her the nickname "Steel Magnolia."
Her commitment to service is particularly meaningful to 91香蕉视频 NROTC. The Tillie K. Fowler Navy ROTC Building serves as the home of the program, where generations of midshipmen have prepared to become officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Today, the building bearing her name is filled with students who are beginning their own journeys of service and leadership.
The Steel Magnolia 5K brings past and present generations together. For our current midshipmen, our alumni represent the people they can become. For our alumni, our midshipmen represent the future of the legacy they helped build.
The Steel Magnolia 5K is more than a race. It is an opportunity for the Jacksonville University NROTC family to come together, celebrate the community that has supported the program, honor those who served before us, and inspire those who will serve after us.
Join us on October 25, 2026, during Homecoming Weekend, as we run, walk, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Tillie K. Fowler and 91香蕉视频 NROTC.
For more information or opportunity to volunteer at the Steel Magnolia 5k, please reach out to nrotcrecruiter@ju.edu .