(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging residents to register for the 10th Annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K, which will take place on Monday, January 1, 2024 at 11 am., beginning at Freedom Plaza in Downtown DC. Participants can register at FITDCFreshStart5K.com.

“The New Year is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a way to start 2024 on the right foot, then join us for the Fresh Start 5K,” said Mayor Bowser. “The Fresh Start 5K is fun because it brings together Washingtonians from across the city. It’s fun for people looking to set a personal record and it’s fun for people who just want to meet up with friends or be among community. We hope to see you there.”

The FITDC Fresh Start 5K is a free event open to people of all ages and abilities. Attendees are welcome to walk, run, enjoy refreshments, or cheer on a loved one. Sponsored by AETNA and supported by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the 5K will feature an activation on Freedom Plaza with refreshments, music, and vendor booths.

This year, there will also be a Fresh Start Kids Dash for children ages 12 and under. Families will be able to register their children for the Kids Dash at the festivities at Freedom Plaza on January 1, and kids will face off in a 100-yard dash at 11:45 am on race day. All little racers will receive a special Kids Dash t-shirt for participating.

Those who register at FITDCFreshStart5K.com can receive a commemorative t-shirt, timed runner’s bib, and medal while supplies last. To avoid long lines on the day of the event, there will two days of packet pick-up where registrants can grab their shirts, bib, and medal in advance and show up to the 5K ready to go.

On January 1, registration will begin at 10 am and the 5K will start at 11 am. The scenic 5K (3.1 miles) course begins on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and features beautiful views of the John A. Wilson Building, the U.S. Capitol, and various downtown landmarks.

Packet pickup is taking place today, Thursday, December 28 and tomorrow, Friday, December 29 from 10 am – 4 pm at the four locations listed below. Shirts will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

• Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard Street NW)
• Edgewood Recreation Center (300 Evarts Street NE)
• Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th Street NE)
• Takoma Aquatic Center (300 Van Buren Street NW)

Before, during, and after the 5K, residents are encouraged to tag @myfitdc, while they share pictures and selfies on social media using the hashtags #FreshStart5K and #BeDowntown.

Residents can sign up for the Fresh Start 5K here and listen to Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5K Favorites on Spotify.

Social Media:

Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos