Mayor Bowser and DPR Announce Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge as New Location for 12th Annual Fresh Start 5K

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced a new location for the 12th Annual Fresh Start 5K, the annual New Year's Day tradition that brings together residents from all eight wards. This year's race will start on the Navy Yard end of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, and the route will cross the bridge before heading through Anacostia Park and back again.

"The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is a symbol of what is possible in our city - it represents our history and our future, and so it only makes sense that we go there for this Fresh Start 5K," said Mayor Bowser. "I hope DC residents from all eight wards will join me in starting the New Year off - to run, walk, or just cheer on neighbors."

The FITDC Fresh Start 5K is a free, family-friendly event open to people of all ages and abilities. Sponsored by Aetna, the event will also include a Kids Dash and a pre-race festival with refreshments, music, and vendor booths.

"As we celebrate 12 years of this DC tradition, it's been an honor for DPR to help grow the Fresh Start 5K year after year," said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. "We're excited to once again run through the tape with Mayor Bowser as we welcome a new year, new goals, and a fresh start for residents and visitors across the District and beyond."

Residents can register at fitdcfreshstart5k26.splashthat.com to receive a commemorative T-shirt, timed runner's bib, and medal (while supplies last). On January 1, same-day registration will begin at 9 am, with the Kids Dash starting at 10:15 am and the 5K starting at 11 am.

To save time on race day, participants can take advantage of early packet pick-up on the following days to grab their shirts and bibs in advance:

• Thursday, December 18, 11 am to 3 pm and 4 to 7pm
• Friday, December 19, 11 am to 3 pm and 4 to 7pm
• Saturday, December 27, 12 to 4 pm.

Packet Pick-Up Locations:

• King-Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N Street SW)
• Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th Street NE)
• Takoma Community Center (300 Van Buren Street NW)
• Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Avenue NE)

Volunteer opportunities are also available to support the 2026 FITDC Fresh Start 5K. Register here to help with race-day activities, registration, refreshments, and more.

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