(Washington, DC) – With the New Year quickly approaching, Mayor Muriel Bowser is inviting residents to register for the 10th Annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K, which will take place on Monday, January 1, 2024 at 10 am and begin at Freedom Plaza in Downtown DC.
 
“Since 2015, the FITDC Fresh Start 5K has become a DC tradition where we come together as a community and celebrate the New Year,” said Mayor Bowser. “Now, ten years in, we want everyone who has ever run, jogged, walked, or cheered on family and friends to join us again. We also want those who have never been to a Fresh Start 5K to come out. And, this year, in celebration of ten years running, we have a playlist to help get you moving, grooving, and training for January 1.”
 
The FITDC Fresh Start 5K is a free event open to people of all ages and abilities. Sponsored by AETNA and supported by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the 5K will also feature an activation in Freedom Park with refreshments, music, and vendor booths all provided by FITDC.
 
Register at FITDCFreshStart5K.com to receive a commemorative t-shirt, timed runner’s bib, and medal while supplies last. To avoid long lines on the day of the event, there will two days of packet pick-up where registrants can grab their shirts, bib, and medal in advance and show up to the 5K ready to move.
 
On January 1, registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the 5K will start at 11 am. The scenic 5K (3.1 miles) course begins on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and features beautiful views of the John A. Wilson Building, the U.S. Capitol, and various downtown landmarks.
 
Packet pickup will take place Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29 from 10 am – 4 pm at the four locations listed below. Shirts will be given out on a first come, first served basis. 

• Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard Street NW)
• Edgewood Recreation Center (300 Evarts Street NE)
• Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th Street NE)
• Takoma Aquatic Center (300 Van Buren Street NW)

 
Before, during, and after their run/walk, residents are encouraged to tag @myfitdc, while they share pictures and selfies on social media using the hashtags #FreshStart5K and #BeDowntown. 
 
Residents can sign up for the Fresh Start 5K here and listen to Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5K Favorites on Spotify.


Social Media:

Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos