Annual 5K In Memory Of Manhattan Teen Set, Registration Open

Manhattan resident Jackson Lewis was 15 and a freshman at Lincoln-Way West when he took his own life in June 2020.

By Lauren Traut, Patch Staff

Jun 18, 2026 1:18 pm CDT | Updated Jun 18, 2026 2:20 pm CDT

Jackson Lewis, of Manhattan, was 15 and a freshman at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox when he took his own life in June 2020. (Courtesy of Shelly Lewis)

MANHATTAN, IL — The 6th annual 5K run/walk in memory of a Manhattan teen and Lincoln-Way West student is set to return to Round Barn Farm Park in August.

Jog for Jackson was started in 2020 to honor Jackson Lewis, who died by suicide in June 2020. Lewis was 15 years old when he took his own life. The event has raised thousands for the foundation created in his memory.

The 5K will take place Saturday, August 1 at 8 a.m. at Round Barn Farm Park, 24115 S. US 52, in Manhattan. Registration is $25 per person and can be done online. The fee includes a race shirt and wristband.

Sponsorships are also still available: business sponsorships for $150, individual/family sponsorships for $50. The deadline to become a sponsor is July 17. Find out more about sponsorships online.

Funds raised help provide scholarships to local students and support suicide prevention awareness programs for youth 18 and younger in our community.

Courtesy of Shelly Lewis

Lewis was active in sports, and very social. In junior high, he ran track and cross country. He played soccer as a freshman at West. The 5K was started by friend Emmett Thompson, inspired by memories of running alongside Lewis at the iconic Manhattan farm.

Since his death, Lewis' family and Thompson are continuing efforts to memorialize him in the New Lenox and Manhattan communities, with both the 5K and the creation of the Jackson Lewis Foundation scholarship. With funds raised through the Jog for Jackson 5K and other donations, in 2026 the foundation awarded five, $1,000 scholarships to Lincoln-Way West seniors.

Lewis' family also continues to lead the Jackson Lewis Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping to raise awareness for and help combat suicide in kids 18 years and younger. It's based on three pillars: awareness, education and research. The foundation will focus on kids with mental health issues, offering outreach programs with featured speakers at area schools.

All proceeds from the 5K will go to the foundation.

Questions can be sent to thelewisfoundation59@gmail.com.