DPR Invites Residents to Register for the 8th Annual FITDC HerStory 5K

(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Today, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that registration is open for the 8th Annual FITDC HerStory 5K and Kids Dash, taking place on Saturday, March 7, at Freedom Plaza in Downtown DC. The annual event, held in celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, represents the latest milestone in the Bowser Administration's 11-year commitment to building a healthier, stronger DC for residents in all eight wards.

The event will begin at 8 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 9:15 a.m., and the 2026 HerStory 5K at 10 a.m. Registration is now open at HerStory5k.com.

The HerStory 5K is a family-friendly event open to all ages and abilities, hosted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in partnership with the Mayor's Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI), and sponsored by AETNA. This year's exhibitors and entertainment will embody the 2026 Women's History Month theme, "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future."

Race day will include the return of the HerStory Kids Dash for children 12 and under. Kids Dash participants will receive a special t-shirt before taking part in a modified "race" on the 5K route. All Kids Dash giveaways will be distributed on race day, and Kids Dash participants must be accompanied by an adult. Families should arrive early and be ready to run at 9:15 a.m. Other activations include pre-race warm-up sessions and interactive exhibits highlighting women's history. A post-race festival on Pennsylvania Avenue will feature live music, wellness activities, giveaways, and vendors from local women-owned businesses. To help participants prepare for race day, FITDC and Pacers Running have produced a training program to help runners and walkers of all levels. The easy-to-follow training guide includes group runs, walks, and solo workout plans. Find the training program online at runpacers.com/pages/herstory-5k-training-plan.

Participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets and t-shirts in advance to avoid lines on race day. Race packets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, February 26, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 27, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 4, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, February 28, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Pickup locations include:

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

Before, during, and after the race, participants are encouraged to share pictures and selfies on social media by tagging @myfitdc and using the hashtags #HerStory5K, and #BeDowntown.

The 8th Annual HerStory 5K builds on the continued growth of FITDC, the citywide health and wellness movement launched by Mayor Bowser in 2015 to connect residents to nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness resources in their own neighborhoods. What began with Ward Walks and community-based FITDC Coaches has evolved into a year-round initiative led by DPR, offering online and in-person classes, community workouts, and large-scale events that engage residents in all eight wards. As the Administration continues running through the tape in 2026, the HerStory 5K reflects sustained investment in accessible programs and high-quality public spaces that support healthier, more active communities.

Registration is open now. Visit HerStory5K.com to sign up and learn more.

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