From the Organizer
Cincinnati is proud to be one of the select few cities to host the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom, a Juneteenth observance honoring the end of slavery in the United States and the ongoing pursuit of inclusive freedom.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom, organized by the Texas-based non-profit Unity Unlimited, Inc., is led by Dr. Opal Lee, widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” On June 19, participants in host cities across the country will walk 2.5 miles simultaneously, symbolizing the approximately 2.5 years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free in 1865.
The walk is supported by national and local partners, including Start 2 Finish Event Management, Detroit Choice Events, JARK 1 Entertainment, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The Freedom Center invites the Cincinnati community and out-of-town visitors to join the walk on June 19 to reflect, remember and celebrate freedom together.
Organizations interested in becoming local sponsors of the Cincinnati Opal’s Walk for Freedom may contact philanthropy@nurfc.org.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
37%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cheviot, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
3,998
as of 2023
Elevation
501 ft
Nearest Airport
CVG
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport · 12 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Opal's Walk for Freedom, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
11
Days to train
Coming Up
Taylor Huth Memorial Golf Tournament
Less than a mile away
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Less than a mile away
Schützenfest Bier Dash
Less than a mile away
Run for Chief
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Opal's Walk for Freedom
Jun 19, 2026