Braving the cold weather and gusty winds, Washingtonians brought warmth and cheer to Anacostia Park on Jan. 1 for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 11th annual Fresh Start 5K.
With thousands flocking to Southeast D.C. to kick off 2025 with exercise, the annual gathering was not solely about promoting health, but also emphasizing the importance of togetherness and celebrating the beauty and boldness of District culture.
“We’re carrying a lot of great momentum into 2025, and that starts on Jan. 1,” Bowser said in a statement on New Year’s Eve. “Whether you’re running for fitness, walking with friends, or cheering on loved ones, the Fresh Start 5K is a celebration of community and an energizing way to start the new year.”
Since its inception, the mayor’s 5K, free for all who participate, has provided those in the D.C. area with a fun, healthy and motivating way to start the new year, and the 2025 event — featuring performances and special programming — furthered the annual tradition.
“Mayor Bowser started [the 5K] with a vision as mayor-elect and 11 New Year’s Days, we have been right here, walking 3.1 miles and it feels good; it looks good,” said Thennie Freeman, director of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), which hosted the event in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor, and Aetna. “Clarity of thought, clarity of mind — this is how it happens.”
While the 5K focused on a healthy start to the year, Freeman highlighted the importance of prioritizing wellness year round.
“The prescription for longevity is really physical fitness and so one step, two step, three steps, four. Doesn’t matter how small you start, the important thing is just to start,” Freeman told The Informer, before adding DPR offers free programming throughout the year to exercise and more. “We want people to know DPR is a safe, fun place to come hang out.”
A Fun-Filled Day of Promoting Fitness, Celebrating Community
Despite weathering the temperatures in the low 40s, heavy winds, and a long walk from the parking lot (or far away side streets) to participate in the official 5K, Anacostia Park proved a perfect place for Washingtonians to exercise, showcase talents, and proudly show off D.C. pride.
The scenic race route, filled with views of the Anacostia, Frederick Douglass Bridge and wooded areas, was one big, beautiful loop. Along the course were featured entertainers, from a DJ, to a band, a steel pan player, and even a man dancing, while donning Washington Commanders attire head-to-toe.
When registering, participants were treated to long-sleeved shirts, drawstring backpacks and water. At the finish line, participants— from children, to adults of all ages and physical abilities, and even dogs— were given a shiny medal as a prize for their hard work.
Volunteers went above and beyond in encouraging participants: singing, cheering, high-fiving, and dancing for them along the way. Some volunteers even helped participants cross the finish.
“It was great to see people of every type of background just coming out and being genuinely happy, even with the cold that’s going on and the wind,” said DPR employee Keyana Kelley. “[It was wonderful witnessing] the excitement of crossing the finish line and walking with a few people to finish the race.”
From a Nike tent that allowed people to participate in an ice bath (or brief polar plunge), to others sharing information about DPR programming, and a station for people to hit a Chinese gong in celebration of completing the 5K and the new year, the fun didn’t end at the finish line.
After the race, participants jammed to the electrifying and jovial sounds of DC Vybe, as the band further energized the crowd by keeping them moving to the go-go beat.
Further, in a moment of true D.C. unity, scores of participants danced in unison to DC Vybe’s rendition of the “Electric Slide.”
After finishing the annual 5K, Benta Ryan Davis, a D.C. native and homeowner, said participating was more than an opportunity to start “the new year off right,” but a perfect opportunity to engage with family and friends outside of the normal social routine for many District residents.
“I’m here celebrating the first of the year, with my sisters, getting some exercise,” Ryan Davis, 35, said gleefully. “For me it’s a fresher start. I haven’t done the 5K before but I’ve seen it for so many years, [and] it just feels good to get up and do something different than going to brunch.”
Woryeneh Benson, one of the friends who exercised with Ryan Davis during the 5K, admitted that the workout didn’t seem as demanding with others by her side.
“Health is wealth and it’s fun to do it with your friends,” Benson, 34, told The Informer. “It doesn’t feel hard or anything and it’s great to see D.C. outside.”
As the District prepares for the transition that is sure to come with an impending Trump administration, Ryan Davis emphasized the need for Washingtonians to prioritize unity and togetherness, similarly to the energy experienced at the celebratory Jan. 1 event.
“Keep your communities in mind. Keep your families in mind,” she told The Informer. “Stick close to your community. Big changes are happening, but… [remember] ‘My day-to-day routine hasn’t changed just because the president has changed.’ Don’t let it get you down. Stay hopeful, because we’ve been resilient before and we’re going to stay resilient.”