On May 16, 2026, more than 4,000 runners, walkers and supporters gathered in West Potomac Park for a sunny morning dedicated to heart health. Participants took on the 10K, 5K and Fun Walk before enjoying a lively post-race celebration featuring snacks, music, a pet party, a kids zone and Hands‑Only CPR demonstrations. After the awards ceremony, survivor Hailey Yentz shared a powerful mission moment with the crowd.
Co‑Chairs Laura Smith, partner at HKA, and Tim Brightbill, partner at Wiley, led their law firm teams to collectively raise more than $43,000 for the American Heart Association. Smith’s team at HKA earned the coveted Lawyers Cup as the top fundraising firm for the second year in a row. “Today we move with purpose to build a world of longer, healthier lives,” Smith said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making our 36th year so meaningful.” “As you cross the finish line, know that you are genuinely driving health and hope forward for people everywhere,” added Brightbill. The event has raised more than $23 million to support the Association’s mission to save and improve lives.
The national anthem was sung by Bridget O’Brien, Miss Maryland 2024, who raised more than $6,000 for the Association. She was joined by Kisa Motiwala, who signed the anthem in American Sign Language. Marc Goldman served as the event emcee.
A special guest helped kick off the race: Tony Brown, an 11‑year‑old congenital heart defect survivor and Youth Heart Ambassador. Tony and his mom, Tita Escobar, energized the crowd at the start line before joining participants on the 5K walk.
The Survivor Lane, introduced last year, once again honored those personally affected by heart disease as they crossed the finish line. At the closing ceremony, top men’s and women’s 5K and 10K runners were recognized along with cardiac arrest survivor and CPR advocate Hailey Yentz, who provided CPR demonstrations to race participants throughout the post-race festival.
Although founded by lawyers, Lawyers Have Heart has grown into a community-wide celebration of movement and mission. By promoting physical activity, the event supports mental well‑being, especially for those in high‑stress professions like the field of law.
The Association extends heartfelt thanks to the Lawyers Have Heart executive leadership team and to all sponsors, including Harrity & Harrity, HKA, Latham & Watkins, Bloomberg Law, D.C. Bar, Wiley, Sheehy Auto Stores and more.
There is still time to donate and support this year’s Lawyers Have Heart through June 30.
The results for the 5K and 10K races can be found here and photos from the course can be found here.