1st You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k Run/Walk

Wednesday, June 19th Race Start time is 8:00am runners/walkers must be able to complete 3.1 miles in 1 hour. 

Post Race Awards and Fun 9:00am-4:00pm 

Location:  Fort Hunt Park -  Pavilion B

8999 Fort Hunt Road Alexandria, VA  

****** Arriving at the Park - Parking Limited****** 

It is highly recommended to carpool if you can.  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.  1st 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 1st EVER You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k on Wednesday, June 19th!!!!

6:30am - 7:30am  Packet Pick-up and Registration at the covered area at Pavillion B 

7:15am - 7:45am  Warm Up Mixxed Fit by P Swag

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 

10:00am- Announcement of Top Finishers and Scholarship Awardees  

10:15am-10:30am - Free Kids 1k Dash - Ages 1-10  All participants will receive a special You Matter Medal and a kids swag bag 

10:30am - 3:00pm - Fun and Fellowship in the Park 

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.

You must be registered to receive a T-Shirt, Medal, and Bib. 

Registration Fee:  In Person - $45.00 / Virtual - $52.00

Once the race sells out, we can no longer take any additional registrations.  T-Shirts & Medals are guaranteed to those who register by May 10, 2024.

Registration will close on Friday, June 14, 2024

Team Registration. Create your group name and share with your friends to register. Come up with a unique name. There may be a special surprise for you!! 

Kids Dash 1K: Free -  Ages 1-10 that participates will receive a special medal and swag bag ***No need to register in advance***

Packet Pick Up will be RACE DAY ONLY - June 19th at 6:30am-7:30am at Fort Hunt Park under the Pavilion B 

*******UPDATE********

If you can't attend in person, no problem! We have you covered. You may register for the virtual option and complete your 3.1 mile run anytime in the month of June. The registration cost is $52.00. Additional fees apply for shipping of your T-Shirt, Race Bib, and Medal. You will receive shipping confirmation when your package is shipped to you in June. You may also choose to donate to this cause! All donations are tax deductible. 

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

#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 (3) 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 2024.  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.  For an application, please send an email to: info@youmatterforlife.com  and in the subject line add "Scholarship Application" 

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 

THE SPONSORS.

• Jamicka Edwards:  Army Veteran, Motivational Speaker and Author of “You Matter” | Facebook: @JamickaEdwardsInspires

• Smart Water https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/smarter

Your participation and support is needed to make this event a success. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact info@youmatterforlife.com and in the subject line type "Sponsorship" - Your business logo will be advertised on this site, on flyers, and on the participant's shirts. 

THE ORGANIZER & RACE DIRECTOR.

Jamicka was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL and in Phoenix, IL.  After graduating from High School in Savanna, IL and going to college for 1 year she joined the United States Army and was stationed in Washington State. Now a proud Army Veteran, she has recently relocated to Northern Virginia. 

Jamicka has realized her passion and calling is motivating and inspiring others to live life to the fullest.  She has been on a quest to ensure everyone knows their purpose in life and know they matter. She published her first book in 2014 entitled- You Matter, What would living in your purpose everyday look like?  She created her own book tour and traveled by plane, train, and automobile that year to get her newly published book across the United States and give people the message of You Matter and help them discover their purpose and live in it every day.  This is a true testament of her tenacity.

She is a mother of 3 amazing sons, 2 whom are now adults. She enjoys volunteering at the school when time permits her, and her sons love to go on mini road trips either attending sporting events or just sightseeing. 

Jamicka is a Goal Getter! Every year she sets out new goals for herself and she decided to make a goal to complete a half marathon in 2016 and throughout that year completed 5 Half Marathons. The following year (2017) she decided to do more and add her 1st Marathon which she completed in her home city of Chicago. In 2023 she ran her first international marathon in Berlin and followed up 6 weeks later with running the New York City Marathon for the first time.  In total she has run 6 marathons, 40 Half Marathons, a 50k, and the distance of running 42 miles in one day for her 42nd birthday. In 2024 her major goals are running. the Boston Marathon for the first time and directing her first Juneteenth 5k.  She hopes to run a Half Marathon in every state, complete the 6 Abbott World Major Marathons, and run a Marathon on all 7 continents.  Jamicka has a genuine love for life and all people.  She greets everyone with an infectious smile and when you leave her presence you will know that You Matter.

If you would like to know more about the You Matter for Life Foundation, Inc, visit: www.youmatterforlife.com 

info@youmatterforlife.com 

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