Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5K

Enjoy spring at the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA's Flowering 5K. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more!

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 music will get you in the groove before and after the event.

Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6' non-retractable leash.

A 20% discount is available to all veterans, active duty, and reserve military members (email info@fona.org for the discount code). All FONA members can also receive a 20% discount as part of their member benefits (if you're already a member, check the latest member newsletter for the discount code). Please make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member.

Early packet pickup is only available to registrants who sign up before noon on March 21, 2026. If you register after this date and time, please plan to pick up your bib the morning of the race.

**This 5K is not a certified course. Course subject to change according to the needs of FONA and the US National Arboretum**

Can I register for this 5K on the day of the race?
No, day-of race registration is not available.

Is there a registration discount for members of the military? 
A 20% discount is available to all veterans, active duty, and reserve military members (email info@fona.org for the discount code).

Do FONA members receive a registration discount?
Yes! All FONA members can receive 20% off their race registration as part of their member benefits. Please make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. If you are already a member, check the latest member newsletter for the discount code.

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.

Where do I park for the race? 
Please visit the Race-Day Parking page for the most up-to-date information about where to park the morning of the race.

How can I volunteer for this race? 
Please sign up on the Volunteer page if you are interested in volunteering at this event. For more information about volunteer opportunities with FONA, please visit FONA’s website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator Max Skoglund (mskoglund@fona.org). 

Can I sponsor a FONA 5K race?
Yes! FONA offers many corporate sponsorship opportunities throughout the year at our community events, including our 5Ks. Email donations@fona.org to learn more.

What else is there to do at the National Arboretum after the race? 
There is always something to experience and explore at the National Arboretum! Learn about all of the gardens and collections, or download the Arboretum's mobile app (iOS platforms, Android platforms) to see what's in season during your visit.

On race day, please enter through the R Street entrance (address: 2400 R Street NE, Washington DC 20002). The R Street entrance will open at 6:30 AM for the race. Please note that the New York Avenue entrance will not open until 8 AM. With everyone using one gate, please allow extra time to find a parking spot.

Parking is available in the following parking lots:

• New York Avenue Lot: Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk from parking to the start line.
• R Street Lot: Handicap parking available here, please allow 10 minutes to walk from parking to the start line.
• Grove Lot: Please allow 10 minutes to walk from parking to the start line.

The first 150 entries are $40
The second 150 entries are $45
The third 150 entries are $50
All remaining entries are $55
Entries for kids under 13 years old are free, but registration is required in order to participate.

Race t-shirts are included with adult registrations while supplies last. Free entries do not include a t-shirt. Youth t-shirts must be purchased when registering.

This spring's Flowering 5K t-shirt will celebrate the cherry blossoms of the National Arboretum! The design (adjacent) showcases two flowering cherry tree cultivars the National Arboretum has bred and released into the American nursery industry. Prunus 'Helen Taft' was introduced in 2012 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the cherry tree plantings in D.C.'s Tidal Basin. It's named after First Lady Helen Taft who championed this planting. Prunus 'First Lady' was introduced in 2003, and has vibrant, dark rose-pink flowers that hang downward — a vibrant contrast to the soft colors of other flowering cherries.

Early Packet Pickup (Saturday, March 21st)

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Packets will be distributed outside of Arbor House near the Arboretum's R Street entrance (2400 R Street NE, Washington, DC 20002).

Race Day Schedule (Sunday, March 22nd)

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Packet pickup at the race start in front of the Arboretum's Capitol Columns. 

8:30 AM: Race Start

Submit Your Virtual Results Here.

1. Click on Submit Virtual Results at the top of the page (inside the green button)
2. Use the Search By Name feature to locate your registration
3. When you see your information appears, click directly on the BIB NUMBER to view/print your virtual bib
4. After you have completed your virtual race, repeat steps 1-3, but this time click on Submit Virtual Results to enter your time.

Results can be submitted any time between Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd at 5:00pm.

If you have any trouble, please let us know at shannon@racinemultisports.com 

The U.S. National Arboretum spans 451 acres in Northeast Washington, D.C. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it serves as a horticultural research facility and a public green space. The Arboretum manages living collections of woody plants and research fields for breeding plants. It also has a seed bank and one of the world's most comprehensive preserved plant specimen libraries. The National Arboretum benefits each of us, our community, and the nation through horticultural research and plant conservation.

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) ensures the Arboretum continues to thrive as a vital hub for horticultural research, environmental education, and community connection. For over 40 years, FONA has served as the Arboretum’s primary nonprofit partner and funds critical operations, youth education programs, and infrastructure improvements. We connect people to plants and science through public events, advocacy, strategic collaboration, and communications.