The 9th annual brings back its in-person race this Sunday. It鈥檚 a fresh start for the District鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 Day race tradition, which was virtual for the last two years due to pandemic concerns.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a tradition,鈥� said Delano Hunter, director of DC鈥檚 Department of Parks and Recreation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to kick off the new year with a positive event.鈥�
This year鈥檚 event will start at Freedom Plaza in downtown D.C. and continue down Pennsylvania Avenue. In previous years, the in-person runs have been held around the Capitol Riverfront area near the Navy Yard. In 2020, races were held at various schools in all eight wards of the city.
Route for the 2023 FITDC Fresh Start 5K
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to just start off on the right foot,鈥� said Tomas Talamante, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser鈥檚 deputy chief of staff. 鈥淲e all make our resolutions and health, for a lot of us, is at top of mind. [Especially] coming off the pandemic where we know people are very focused on their health.鈥�
Hunter said the 5K is good for D.C. residents for many reasons.
鈥淓very New Year we鈥檙e all taking inventory of our accomplishments from the previous year and we have goals in front of us for the new year,鈥� he said. 鈥淔itness and health is at the top of that list for many of us, so this is an intentional way to declare 鈥業 am going to start the new year with a fresh start鈥� by participating in this fun event.鈥�
You can . You can also register in person beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the race.
Runners will get a T-shirt and a race bib; those who cross the finish line get a medal. Water, snacks, and music will also greet those who go the distance.
With downtown parking limited, runners are encouraged to take Metro to Freedom Plaza. The Metro Center stop puts you just a few blocks away.
