The You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5K is a community walk/run event celebrating Juneteenth, freedom, resilience, and collective impact. Now in its 3rd year, the event unites runners, walkers, families, and supporters from across the DC–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) region to move with purpose and invest in the next generation through the You Matter Scholarship Program.

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

Start Time: 8:00 AM EDT (Pre-race warm-up and program begin at 7:15 AM)

Location: Fort Hunt Park — Pavilion B, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308

Note: Pavilion B is further inside the park than the location used in previous years. Please follow event signage on race day.

Yes, Fort Hunt Park has parking available. We recommend arriving early — by 7:00 AM if possible — to secure a spot and allow time for packet pick-up and the pre-race program. Carpooling is encouraged.

Yes! The official host hotel is the Hilton Arlington National Landing, located at 2399 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202. A room block is available at a special rate. Book at: https://book.passkey.com/go/youmatterjuneteenth5k

There are four event options to choose from:

•  5K (In-Person) — $60 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

•  Virtual 5K — $60 | Complete on your own schedule

•  Freedom Lap — $25 | 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM EDT (shorter, family-friendly option)

•  PO' UP! Live Juneteenth Celebration — FREE | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT (ages 21+)

The Freedom Lap is a shorter, inclusive walk/run option for participants who prefer a less intensive distance or who are bringing young children. It runs from 9:30–10:15 AM and costs $25 to register.

PO' UP! Live is a FREE interactive live game show experience celebrating Black culture, community, college pride, and workplace fun — powered by the PO' UP! Card Game. Held at Pavilion D from 10:00–11:30 AM, it features trivia, music, audience participation, prizes, and a complimentary specialty drink for guests 21+ (while supplies last). Open to all race participants, supporters, and guests.

•  7:15 AM — Pre-race warm-up & opening program

•  8:00 AM — 5K Start

•  9:30 AM — Freedom Lap

•  ~9:30–10:00 AM — Awards Ceremony (Top 3 Male & Female 5K finishers)

•  10:00–11:30 AM — PO' UP! Live Juneteenth Celebration (Pavilion D)

•  Throughout — Raffles, giveaways, and scholarship announcement

Register online at RunSignup: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/YouMatterMovement. Select your preferred event, complete the registration form, and pay the entry fee. You will receive a confirmation email after successful registration.

•  5K (In-Person): June 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

•  Virtual 5K: June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

•  Freedom Lap: June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

•  PO' UP! Live Celebration: June 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

The 5K and Freedom Lap are open to all ages. Children under 18 should be accompanied by a registered adult or have a parent/guardian sign a waiver. The PO' UP! Live complimentary drink experience is restricted to guests aged 21 and older.

Yes! You can register as part of a group or a corporate team through RunSignup. Visit the Groups or Corporate Teams tabs on the race page to set up or join a team. Corporate team participation is a great way to show community commitment and build camaraderie.

Spots are first-come, first-served. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

No refunds

Details coming soon...

The 5K course is approximately 3.1 miles and takes place within and around Fort Hunt Park. The course is designed to be accessible for a range of fitness levels. A detailed course map will be published on the race website prior to the event.

Absolutely! The You Matter 5K welcomes both runners and walkers. Whether you're chasing a personal record or walking in reflection, all paces are welcome and celebrated.

Yes, water stations will be set up along the course. And also available near the finish line festival.

Strollers are welcome, especially for the Freedom Lap. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are subject to Fort Hunt Park regulations. Please be courteous of other participants.

A portion of every registration fee goes directly to the You Matter Scholarship Program. The goal is to award 10 scholarships of $500 each to college-bound high school seniors from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

•  Must be a graduating high school senior

•  Must be accepted to a college beginning Fall 2026

•  Must be from the DC, Maryland, or Virginia area

•  You do NOT need to participate in the race to apply

Students apply by submitting an essay answering: 'What does Juneteenth mean to you, and how has it impacted your life?'

Click Here to apply

•  Application Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

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

•  Public Announcement: June 19, 2026 at the race

Yes! The top 3 male and top 3 female 5K finishers will be recognized during the post-race awards ceremony. Stay for the ceremony to celebrate the fastest finishers and cheer on the community.

Age group award details will be announced closer to race day.

Yes! Exciting raffles and giveaways generously donated by community partners and sponsors will be held throughout the event. You must be present to win raffle prizes, so stick around after the race!

The 5K will be chip-timed. Your timing chip is embedded in or attached to your race bib. Make sure your bib is visible on the front of your body during the entire race. Race timing powered by DC Road Runners Club

Preliminary results are typically available within 5 minutes of the race finish. Final verified results will be posted to the RunSignup results page.

Volunteers are vital to making this event a success! Sign up to volunteer at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/VA/Alexandria/YouMatterMovement. Roles include course marshaling, water station staffing, packet distribution, finish line support, and more.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations who want to support the You Matter mission. For sponsorship inquiries, email info@youmatterforlife.com or use the Contact the Race Director form on the race page.

Email: info@youmatterforlife.com or use the contact form.

Follow us on Instagram: @youmatterjuneteenth5k

Use these hashtags to join the conversation:

•  #JuneteenthFreedom5K

•  #YouMatterJuneteenth5K

•  #YouMatterMovement