
From the Organizer
“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.” -John Quincy Adams
In an age where freedom is enjoyed, it is imperative that the next generation grow up learning about and understanding the true cost of how it came to be and the importance of using it to live intentionally.
Sacred Journey Academy is excited to host our second annual Young Hearts for Heroes event on July 18, 2026!
Multiple generations will gather at Alexandria City Park to honor a local military family, thank veterans for their service, and remind youth why freedom matters. Young Hearts for Heroes is an effort to bridge the gap in understanding regarding the ongoing sacrifice of our soldiers and their families. Participants will have the opportunity to “march one mile in a soldier’s boots” or run a 5K to honor our veterans. Funds raised will go to the support of SJA and the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Both organizations are passionate about teaching tomorrow’s leaders to honor today’s veterans.
Event Details:
8:30-9am Registration
9am Welcome
9:15am 5K Begins (Timing provided by Pickle Events)
10am 1 Mile March (Walk)
Awards to follow! Medals to be awarded to the top three males and females 18+ and top three males and females 12-18.
Children under 10 are FREE to walk and do not need to register unless they plan to run the 5K. Free admission does not include an event t-shirt.
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
81°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Alexandria Muni Ap, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
14,579
as of 2023
Elevation
1,414 ft
Nearest Airport
STC
Saint Cloud Regional Airport · 68 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 126 mi
Time Zone
Central 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 Young Hearts 4 Heroes, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Runestone Ramble Trail Run
16 miles away
Melrose Riverfest 5K/1K Run/Walk
31 miles away
Freedom Fun Run (5K & 10K) + 1 mile run for kids
Less than a mile away
BEAR CHASE
30 miles 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)
Young Hearts 4 Heroes
Jul 18, 2026