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Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K

November 9, 2025 U.S. National Arboretum, Washington D.C.

Events

5K

$45
($0: Ages 0 - 12)
11/09 8:30AM EST - 11:00AM EST
Increases to $50 after the first 150 people register. (128 spots left)

Join us for a 5k run or walk on the idyllic grounds of the National Arboretum. Strollers and dogs are allowed but dogs must stay on a 6' non-retractable leash.

VIRTUAL 5K

$35
700 spots left.

Can’t make it to the National Arboretum but still want to break out your running shoes? Simply run/walk 5K and submit your virtual results.

About the Race

Enjoy autumn at the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA's Fall 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with fall foliage, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. 
This race is not only scenic, but also safe and secure. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. A professional race announcer will call out runners as they cross the finish line and there will be music before and after the event to get you in the groove. 
Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6' non-retractable leash.
A 20% discount is available to all veterans, active duty, and reserve military members. All FONA members can also receive a 20% discount as part of their member benefits. Please make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Email info@fona.org for these coupon codes.
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Race Location

3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002 US View Location on Map

Pricing

2025 fall 5k t-shirt design
  • The first 150 tickets are $45
  • The second 150 tickets are $50
  • The third 150 tickets are $55
  • The last 150 tickets are $60
  • Tickets for kids under 13 years old are free
Participants who register before midnight on Friday, October 10th are guaranteed a t-shirt. After that, t-shirts are available while supplies last.
The Fall 5K t-shirt design (adjacent) features cones and flowers from the Southern magnolia tree (Magnolia grandiflora). This tree is an iconic part of the National Arboretum's branding and research programs. The Arboretum's logo is a stylized version of a Southern magnolia cone. In the early 1930s, Oliver Freeman used Southern magnolias in his original evergreen magnolia breeding program. The Arboretum has introduced two evergreen hybrid magnolia cultivars into the American nursery industry: Magnolia 'Freeman' and Magnolia 'Maryland'. T-shirt design by Unblink Studios.

Schedule

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Early Packet Pick-Up (Saturday, November 8th)
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Packets will be distributed outside of Arbor House near the R Street entrance (2400 R Street NE, Washington, DC 20002).
**Early packet pickup is not available to registrants who sign up after noon on 11/8/2025. If you register later than that, please plan to pick up your bib on Sunday morning.
Race Day Schedule (Sunday, November 9th)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Packet Pick-Up and Same Day Registration at the race start in front of the Capitol Columns.
8:30 AM: Race Start
Awards will be distributed to the top Overall Male & Female finishers and the top 3 finishers in each age group immediately following the event. Awards will only be given out directly after the race, and will not be mailed.

Virtual Race

Submit Your Virtual Results here.

1. Click on Submit Virtual Results at the top of the page (inside the green button)
2. Use the Search By Name feature to locate your registration
3. When you see your information appears, click directly on the BIB NUMBER to view/print your virtual bib
4. After you have completed your virtual race, repeat steps 1-3, but this time click on Submit Virtual Results to enter your time.

Results can be submitted any time between Friday, November 7th and Sunday, November 9th at 5:00pm. If you have any trouble, please let us know at shannon@racinemultisports.com 

FONA & the National Arboretum

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The U.S. National Arboretum spans 451 acres in Northeast Washington, D.C. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it serves as a horticultural research facility and a public green space. The Arboretum manages living collections of woody plants and research fields for breeding plants. It also has a seed bank and one of the world's most comprehensive preserved plant specimen libraries. The National Arboretum benefits each of us, our community, and the nation through horticultural research and plant conservation.
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Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) ensures the Arboretum continues to thrive as a vital hub for horticultural research, environmental education, and community connection. For over 40 years, FONA has served as the Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner and funds critical operations, youth education programs, and infrastructure improvements. We connect people to plants and science through public events, advocacy, strategic collaboration, and communications. 

Any questions? Contact us today!

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