2nd Annual You Matter Juneteenth Freedom 5k Run/Walk

🏃‍♂️ EVENT OVERVIEW

Thursday, June 19, 2025 - You must register to receive a shirt, bib, and medal.

• Start Time: 8:00am runners/walkers must be able to complete 3.1 miles in 1.5 hours.
• Awards Ceremony: Post Race Awards and Fun from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.
• Location: Fort Hunt Park - Pavilion A, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA.
• Parking: When the parking lot is full, you will need to walk a quarter of a mile to the next parking lot.

🎉 THE MISSION

To celebrate FREEDOM and inspire a community of people to recognize that they have purpose. To bring a community together to walk/run in harmony encouraging one another along the way. To help everyone realize that YOU MATTER to more people than you'll ever know and that a smile, encouraging word, and a high five can go a long way.

🗣️ THE MESSAGE

We want to spread the message… “You are Essential. You are Important. You are Unique. And YOU MATTER!”

🏅 THE MOVEMENT

Come join Jamicka Edwards, Army veteran, motivational speaker and author of “You Matter” as we create a MOVEMENT in Northern Virginia.

• Packet Pick-up: 6:30am - 7:45am at the covered area at Pavilion A.
• Opening Ceremony: 7:45am - Remarks and singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing".
• Race Start: 8:00am - Promptly - Event begins.
• Post Race Schedule: 9:30am - Announcement of Top Finishers and Scholarship Awardees.

📍 THE LOCATION

Run, walk, or stroll around the beautiful Fort Hunt Park located in Alexandria, VA. The 5k route includes 3 loops around the circumference of the park. Enjoy this event with your family members or find a friend and encourage each other along the way! We will walk/jog/run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.

📝 THE REGISTRATION

• Packet Pick-Up: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm at the Host Hotel, Hilton Arlington National Landing.
• Race Day Packet Pick-up: Thursday, June 19th at 6:30am-7:30am at Fort Hunt Park under Pavilion B.
• Social Media: Be sure to post pictures of yourself or your group and use the hashtags below.

#JuneteenthFreedom5k, #YouMatterJuneteenth5k, #YouMatterMovement, #YouMatter

🌌 EVENING UNDER THE STARS

Your race registration will include entry to an evening at the park to enjoy live music and entertainment for all. You will find food trucks, vendors selling items, and more! If you would like to be a vendor please send an email to: youmatterfoundationinc@gmail.com for an application and more information. This event will be open to the community but we ask that you please consider giving a donation upon entry that will help go towards our scholarships.

• Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025.
• Time: 5:00pm- 9:00pm.
• Location: John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314.

💰 REFUNDS

Due to event costs invested prior to the race, entry fees will not be refunded. If you are unable to participate, you may transfer your bib to another person. Please email us at info@youmatterforlife.com with your name and the name of the new participant.

🎓 THE CAUSES

Giving back to the DMV Community by way of Scholarships. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the You Matter - Scholarship ($500) for 10 high school students from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. Students will apply by writing an essay on what Juneteenth means to them.

To apply for the scholarship, visit: https://form.jotform.com/241284971784165. Deadline is Friday, May 16, 2025.

🏆 THE PRIZES

There will be raffles and giveaways generously donated from our sponsors! Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female will receive recognition in the 5K.

🏨 HOTEL INFORMATION

* There are two hotel blocks with a discount for race participants, family, and friends local and from out of town:

• Host Hotel: Hilton Arlington National Landing. Book your room: https://book.passkey.com/go/YOUMATTERJUNETEENTH (Group Code: YMJ).
• Alternative Hotel: The Westin Alexandria Old Town - Book your group rate for You Matter Juneteenth 5k.