Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival

Lace up for Stride For Hope 5K Run/Walk & Homecoming Event on the banks of the beautiful Anacostia River! This day celebrates movement, community, and possibility—complete with finisher medals and team challenges with participation in the mile-long Family Fun walk, perfect for kids, first-timers, and anyone who wants to move together while supporting Academy of Hope’s mission to empower adult learners in DC through education, career training, and life-changing through direct pathways to economic mobility and more!

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 | ⏰ 8:00 AM | 📍 Anacostia Park, Skate Pavilion, 1500 Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, DC

Race Day Schedule

6:45 AM – Race day check-in and packet pickup opens
7:30 AM – Last vehicle entry into the park (roads closed until about 9:30 AM)
8:00 AM – 5K Run/Walk begins
11:00 AM – Homecoming Festival kicks off with music, food and fun

Additional race information can be found here: https://aohdc.org/5k-race-homecoming-festival/ 

Important Information- Mandatory Vehicle Restriction During the Race

Please arrive early to ensure you have time to park, get your race gear, and be ready to start your run or walk at 8:00 am. All participants must enter the park before 7:30 AM on race day. At 7:30 AM, Anacostia Park Drive will be closed by United States Park Police. No vehicles will be allowed to enter until after this road is opened again at 9:30 AM.

We encourage everyone to register in advance! There will be limited race day registrations available, payable by credit card or payment app only. Due to National Park regulations, no cash or checks will be accepted on race day. 

Please watch this space for additional race day details as well as date/time for our advance packet pickup. 

About Academy of Hope

Academy of Hope was founded in 1985 by educators Marja Hilfiker and Gayle Boss, who recognized the urgent need for high-quality education for adults in Washington, DC. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into one of the few adult public charter schools in the United States.

Today, Academy of Hope serves more than 800 adult learners each year across two campuses in Wards 5 and 8. We provide free tuition for DC residents and flexible learning options, including daytime and evening classes, in-person and virtual instruction, and tailored support for learners at all levels.

With a focus on lifelong learning and positive social change, AoH meets the needs of adult learners through direct service, research, and advocacy, supported by dedicated teachers, specialists, and leaders. We stand out among adult education providers by tailoring programs to each learner, from foundational literacy and high school completion to career training and college transition. Our Student Support Team also helps learners overcome barriers by providing childcare, transportation, food resources, housing support, and behavioral health services.

The Academy of Hope Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3), expands these opportunities by raising critical funds to sustain and grow our work. The foundation strives to expand and enhance adult learning opportunities, providing comprehensive support ranging from basic literacy to career mentorship. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every adult learner has the opportunity to achieve their goals and thrive through the power of education.