2nd Annual You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k Run/Walk

****PART I ******  

Thursday, June 19, 2025 - You must  register to receive a shirt, bib, and medal. 

Race Start time is 8:00am runners/walkers must be able to complete 3.1 miles in 1.5 hours 

Post Race Awards and Fun 9:30 am-12:00 pm

Location:  Fort Hunt Park -  Pavilion A

8999 Fort Hunt Road Alexandria, VA  

When the parking lot is full, you will need to walk a quarter of a mile to the next parking lot. 

THE MISSION.

To celebrate FREEDOM and inspire a community of people to recognize that they have purpose. 
To bring a community together to walk/run in harmony encouraging one another along the way.
To help everyone realize that YOU MATTER to more people than you'll ever know and that a smile, encouraging word, and a high five can go a long way.

THE MESSAGE.

We want to spread the message… “You are Essential. You are Important. You are Unique.  And YOU MATTER!”

THE MOVEMENT.  2nd Annual You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k Run/Walk 

Come join Jamicka Edwards, Army veteran, motivational speaker and author of “You Matter” as we create a MOVEMENT in Northern Virginia. 

Meet us at the Fort Hunt Park for the 2nd You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k on Thursday, June 19th!!!!

6:30am - 7:45am  Packet Pick-up and Registration at the covered area at Pavilion A

7:45am Opening Ceremony & Remarks

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Prayer

8:00am - Promptly - Event begins 5K - Runners to the front and those walking toward the middle/back.  

Participants must be off the course by 9:30am 

9:30am- Announcement of Top Finishers and Scholarship Awardees  

10:00 am - Yoga Session by Carroll Cares - Instructor Corey Carroll 

Post Race Brunch will be served between 10:00am-10:15am -  Nando's Peri Peri Chicken with an array of other  treats to leave you satisfied and full! 

10:15am-10:30am - Free Kids 1k Dash-  NO registration required 

Ages 1-10  All participants will receive a special You Matter kids swag bag while supplies last. 

3:00pm - Activities conclude - park clean-up and a BIG THANK YOU!!!!!!! 

THE LOCATION.

Run, walk, or stroll around the beautiful Fort Hunt Park located in Alexandria, VA 

The 5k route includes 3 loops around the circumference of the park. Enjoy this event with your family members or find a friend and encourage each other along the way! 

We will walk/jog/run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.

THE REGISTRATION.

Packet Pick Up will be located on Wednesday, June 19, 2025

Time: 4:00 pm- 7:00pm  

Location: The Host Hotel 

Hilton ARLINGTON NATIONAL LANDING  inside of the National Landing Hub

2399 Richmond Highway 

Arlington, VA, 22202 USA

* There will be a special welcome and cocktail hour during the packet pick-up which is open to all race participants at no charge at the Hilton. 

RACE DAY Packet Pick-up will be on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30am-7:30am at Fort Hunt Park under the Pavilion B 

Be sure to post pictures of yourself or your group and use the below hashtags on all social media.

*** PART II ***

An EVENING UNDER THE STARS-   A Tribute to our Ancestors  ( more details to come ) 

Your race registration will include entry to an evening at the park to enjoy live music and entertainment for all. 

You will find food trucks you can purchase food from, vendors who will be selling items, and more!!! 

If you would to be a vendor please send an email to:  youmatterfoundationinc@gmail.com for an application and more information. 

This event will be open to the community, but we ask that you please consider giving a donation upon entry that will help go towards our scholarships. 

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Time: 5:00pm- 9:00pm 

Location: John Carlyle Square

300 John Carlyle St

Alexandria, VA 22314

#JuneteenthFreedom5k

#YouMatterJuneteenth5k

#YouMatterMovement  

#YouMatter

REFUNDS.

Due to event costs invested prior to the race (including but not limited to advertising, medals, shirts, pins, prizes, facility rentals, food, and insurance), entry fees will not be refunded.

If you are unable to participate in the live event, you may transfer your bib to a family member or friend. Please contact us by email info@youmatterforlife.com- with your name and the name of the person that will be receiving the transferred bib.

THE CAUSES.

Giving back to the DMV Community by way of Scholarships. 

A portion of the proceeds for this event will benefit:  You Matter - Scholarship ($500) to be given to (10) high school students from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The student will have to be a graduating senior and already accepted to a college starting in the fall of 2025.  Students will apply by writing an essay on what Juneteenth means to you and how this has made an impact on your life. You do not have to be present to win, but the announcement will take place after the race. The winners will be notified via email as well. 

Go to this link to apply for the scholarship: https://form.jotform.com/241284971784165

Deadline is Friday, May 16, 2025.  Scholarship recipients will be notified via email on June 17th and will be announced on June 19th at the race. Winners are encouraged to attend the race, but it is not required. 

THE PRIZES.

There will be raffles and giveaways donated from our wonderful sponsors! 

Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female will receive recognition in the 5K 

THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN THIS MISSION & YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT! 

*** There are two hotel blocks with a discount for race participants, family, and friends local and from out of town* 

Host Hotel - Hilton Arlington National Landing Recommended property -  go the link to book your room :  https://book.passkey.com/go/YOUMATTERJUNETEENTH

Group Code: YMJ
This group code can be used for the following:
If a guest calls the hotel directly and/or Central Reservation-  703-414-0569
If a guest goes on the website instead of the direct link, you will be able to enter in the code under “Special Rates”

Hotel is 5 minutes from DCA airport with a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport only.  It is also walking distance to the metro line to get around the city and into D.C.

Additional Hotel Option 

The Westin Alexandria Old Town -  Book your group rate for You Matter Juneteenth 5k 

400 Courthouse Square

Alexandria, Virginia  22314-5700

Hotel is 15 minutes from DCA airport.  The hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, but it is convenient and close to the King Street/Old Town Metro Station