Fun from start to finish: Wolfson Children’s Challenge brings new course, community spirit to downtown Jacksonville

The 16th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge returned to downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with a fresh new course and venue. The 2025 race featured a 5K across the Acosta Bridge and a 1-mile fun run, both starting from the Winston Family YMCA on Riverside Avenue.

After passing over the Acosta Bridge, the 5K route featured a turnaround at the front entrance of the Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where patients, families and team members watched from the windows and cheered on runners.

More than 1,000 runners participated in Saturday’s race, which raised more than $200,000 in donations. The proceeds benefit Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation, which offers comprehensive therapy for kids with sensory, movement, feeding and communication difficulties.

“We’re grateful to see so many runners, volunteers and sponsors come together for this year’s Wolfson Children’s Challenge in support of our rehabilitation program. Events like these not only bring our community closer but also play a vital role in helping us provide top-decile care to our patients on their journey to recovery,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Together, we’re building strength, resilience and hope for everyone in need of rehabilitation services.”

The top three finishers of the 5K race were:

• First place: Chris Chen
• Second place: Kristopher Croome
• Third place: Marcus Giles

The race also featured a team element, with teams running together and each individual’s time calculated into the team’s overall race time.
The top three teams were:

• First place: WCH Code Runners
• Second place: Team Kraton
• Third place: Warren Warriors

Other winners from Saturday’s race were:

• Strength in Numbers Award (awarded to the largest team): Kallum’s Krew

Raising funds and hope

Jessica Osiadacz, chief girl experience officer of The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, served as chair of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge this year.

“This year’s Wolfson Children’s Challenge was about more than running—it was about bringing our community together to support children and families on their journey to recovery,” said Osiadacz. “With a new course and more inclusive race options, we’re proud to see so many runners and volunteers join us in raising funds and hope for our rehabilitation program.”

In addition to the race events, participants and members of the public enjoyed family-friendly activities and entertainment, including the Jacksonville Jaguars D-Line and Jaxson de Ville, Jumbo Shrimp’s Scampi, Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, the 501st Legion of Star Wars and more.

More than a race

Each year, the event also honors 55 current and former patients, known as the “Wolfson 55,” who represent the wide range of services Wolfson Children’s offers to children of Northeast Florida, South Georgia and beyond.

Held earlier this month, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon at WJXT raised more than $81,375 through community donations for Wolfson Children’s.

To date, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge has raised more than $4 million through the annual event.