🖤✊🏾 You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5K -  Year 3

Run. Walk. Celebrate Freedom. Give Back.

Join us for the 3rd Annual You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5K Walk/Run, a powerful community celebration honoring Juneteenth, freedom, resilience, and collective impact. This event brings together runners, walkers, families, and supporters from across the DMV to move with purpose and invest in the next generation.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, walking in reflection, or showing up to support a meaningful cause then this race is for YOU.

📍 Event Details

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

Time: 8:00am ( Pre-Race 7:15am Warm-up & Program ) 

Location: Fort Hunt Park - 8999 Fort Hunt Rd Pavilion B ( further down from previous location inside the park )

Host Hotel:

https://book.passkey.com/go/youmatterjuneteenth5k

Hilton Hilton Arlington National Landing - 2399 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA, 22202  

🎓 Giving Back to the DMV Community

A portion of the proceeds from this event will directly support the You Matter Scholarship Program.

💜 Scholarships Awarded ( Goal ):

(10) scholarships of $500 each

Awarded to college-bound high school seniors from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area 

📝 Scholarship Criteria

Must be a graduating high school senior

Must be accepted to a college beginning Fall 2026

Students will apply by submitting an essay answering:

“What does Juneteenth mean to you, and how has it impacted your life?”

📌 You do NOT have to be present at the race to win.

🔗 Apply for the Scholarship - Applications are open now

👉 Application Link:

https://form.jotform.com/Jamicka_Edwards/youmatterjuneteenth

Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026 11:59 pm ( EST) 

Recipients Notified: Monday, June 15, 2026 (via email)

Public Announcement: June 19, 2026 at the race

Winners are encouraged to attend the race celebration, but attendance is not required.

🏅 Awards & Recognition

Top 3 Male Finishers

Top 3 Female Finishers

Recognition will be given during the post-race program

🎁 Raffles & Giveaways

Stick around for exciting raffles and giveaways, generously donated by our amazing community partners and sponsors!

***************************************

🎉 PO' UP! Live Juneteenth Celebration Experience + A Complimentary Drink

Keep the celebration going after the race with PO' UP! Live — an interactive, high-energy live game show experience powered by PO' UP! Card Game celebrating Black culture, community, college pride, and workplace fun.

📍 Location: Fort Hunt Park – Pavilion D

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

🎟️ Cost: FREE to attend

Following the awards ceremony, join us for two exciting rounds of PO' UP! Live featuring trivia, friendly competition, music, audience participation, and prizes for contestants and attendees. 

Guests can expect:

An interactive live game show hosted by DJ 3o7 and Sierra Avé

Two rounds of game play celebrating Black experiences from college to the workplace

A free deck of PO' UP! Card Game for selected contestants who play on stage

A complimentary specialty drink curated by Unique Drinks for guests 21+ while supplies last

Whether you ran the 5K, walked the Freedom Lap, or came to support, PO' UP! Live is the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth, joy, and community together.

Come ready to laugh, compete, and PO' UP! ✊🏾🖤

📲 Stay Connected for the latest updates... MORE TO COME! 

Instagram: @youmatterjuneteenth5k

When posting, please use:

#JuneteenthFreedom5K

#YouMatterJuneteenth5K

#YouMatterMovement

💛 Thank You

THANK YOU for believing in this mission and for your continued support.

Because of you, we are creating access, opportunity, and impact one step at a time.

You Matter.

📧 Race Contact Info:  info@youmatterforlife.com  - or 

If you have questions about the race, scholarships, or sponsorship opportunities, please click the Contact the Race Director button below.