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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5K | Oct 31, 20268:30 AM | $60 | – |
| VIRTUAL 5KVirtual | 5K | Oct 31, 20268:00 AM | $35 | 700 |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
Online registration closes Oct 30, 2026, unless the race fills first.
At $60, entry is about 41 percent above a typical 5K in District of Columbia, which costs $42.50 right now.
A typical finisher at a 5K in Washington runs 34:25, about 11:05 a mile, based on 30 races with published results. Women typically finish in 36:58 and men in 30:17.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:33 AM, and the 5K starts at 8:30 AM. The start sits about 120 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Aggregated from official results for Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 25:21 or better, the top quarter in 29:41, and half the field in 35:44; the last tenth came in after 1:00:00.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 28:17 | 23:22 |
| 20-29 | 27:05 | 21:04 |
| 30-39 | 22:47 | 20:56 |
| 40-49 | 25:15 | 22:45 |
| 50-59 | 27:51 | 21:37 |
| 60-69 | 31:47 | 31:45 |
| 70+ | 56:31 | n/a |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2025.
Up 54 percent since 2022.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2022 to 2025, the field went from 331 to 510 finishers, and the median time dropped from 38:55 to 35:44.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 510 (same) | 35:44 | under 25:21 | 19:34 |
| 2024 | 512 (+20%) | 34:49 | under 24:02 | 17:00 |
| 2023 | 426 (+29%) | 34:35 | under 24:56 | 17:08 |
| 2022 | 331 | 38:55 | under 26:32 | 16:26 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
Slower than most District of Columbia 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 29:41, against 28:48 in a typical District of Columbia 5K, so times here run 3 percent slower.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around October 31 the day usually runs from 48°F at dawn to 64°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 12% of days. Cold snaps dip to 37°F and hot years reach 78°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Early Packet Pick-Up (Friday, October 30th). 920 Girard St NE, Washington, DC 20017 from 5 PM - 8 PM. Race Day Schedule (Saturday, October 31st). 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Packet Pick-Up at the race start in front of the Capitol Columns. No Race…
Course
**This 5K is not a certified course. Course subject to change according to the needs of FONA and the US National Arboretum**. We have on-site parking. You will receive more information about it about a week before the event.
Course
**This 5K is not a certified course. Course subject to change according to the needs of FONA and the US National Arboretum**. We have on-site parking. You will receive more information about it about a week before the event.
Parking and travel
The grounds open at 7:00 AM. Enter via the New York Avenue entrance: National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002. Parking is available in the following parking lots: New York Avenue Lot: Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk…
Shirt and medal
Race t-shirts are available when you register while supplies last.
Rules and FAQ
Can I register for this 5K on the day of the race? Race Day registration is not available. Can I race with a stroller? What about a dog? Yes, you can race with both! Dogs must remain on a 6-foot non-retractable leash. How can I volunteer…
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Enjoy autumn at the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA's Fall 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with fall foliage, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River.
This race is not only scenic, but also safe and secure. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. A professional race announcer will call out runners as they cross the finish line and there will be music before and after the event to get you in the groove.
Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6' non-retractable leash.