(Washington, DC) – Mayor Bowser today hosted the 4th Annual Fit DC Fresh Start 5K Run/Walk at Anacostia Park, kicking off the District’s celebration of the Year of the Anacostia. In 2018, Anacostia Park celebrates its 100th anniversary and to celebrate, agencies and organizations both in and around the District will host events throughout the year that highlight places, people, and historic milestones along the banks of the Anacostia River.
“The Fit DC Fresh Start 5K is my favorite way to kick off the new year – with hundreds of Washingtonians, young and old, cheering each other on and having fun,” said Mayor Bowser. “We have a lot of great events planned for the Year of the Anacostia, and the 5K is the perfect way to bring together Washingtonians from all eight wards and get the celebration started.”
Mayor Bowser hosted the first Fit DC Fresh Start 5K Run/Walk as Mayor-Elect on January 1, 2015. Each year, the location of the 5K changes, giving District residents the opportunity to explore a different location to exercise and play outside. Previous Fit DC Fresh Start 5Ks were held in the Woodley Park neighborhood, the Kingman Park neighborhood, and at East Potomac Park.
The Fit DC Fresh Start 5K is sponsored by Aetna. This year, participants enjoyed refreshments, a free t-shirt, and more from partners: Vida Fitness, Jersey Mike’s, Safeway, and running groups from across the District. Local athletes from the November Project led a warm-up.
Mayor Bowser and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will continue to provide fun and free opportunities throughout 2018 to keep residents healthy and active. In addition to continuing the #FitDC Friday series, DPR will host a “New Year, New You” series starting January 5, 2018 at Banneker Recreation Center.
Residents of all ages can explore and register for a variety of free DPR fitness activities and other community events at DPR.events.