Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any registration fees?

Registration is free through October 13. There is a $30 fee to register between October 14-19 (Race Day).*
Register for free today to save your spot and start fundraising!

*Virtual registration is free regardless of registration date.

Can adults run in the 5K if they’re not registered?

No. Only participants with timing chips/bibs may participate in the 5K. We welcome others to enjoy the family-friendly activities on Freedom Plaza and cheer on participants. Or visit the Volunteer Tent to see if opportunities are available.

Can kids run in the Kids Dash if they’re not registered?

All Kids Dash runners (ages 3-10) are required to register in order to participate in the 100-yard dash. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of all families participating.

I want to bring back my team as the new team captain. How do I do this?

Download this step-by-step guide.

I donated to a team or individual page. Does this mean I’m registered?

No. A donation to a team’s page does not count as a registration. You must register individually and select to “Join a team”.

I see that my employer matches. What should I do next?

Visit the Match Your Gifts section and follow the “Procedure” steps as listed in the search information.

My donor submitted the matching gift request but it’s not showing up on my fundraising page. What should I do?

Each company has a different payout schedule. Some prefer to payout matches monthly while others send disbursements biannually. Please see the company policy for specific disbursement schedules. If the company claims that the match has been sent, please email us at info@raceforeverychild.org to ensure it is properly allocated to your fundraising page. You can also reach out to our Gift Administration team at 301-565-8500 or matchinggiftinfo@childrensnational.org with questions regarding matching gifts.

If the donation is restricted, will the corporate match be restricted?

Yes. In most cases, you can designate a fund when submitting the matching gift request. If the check doesn’t list a fund, the matching gift will be restricted to mirror the designation, appeal, etc. of the initial gift. If we are unable to determine the original gift due to lack of donor detail in the report, or if the donor wants to remain anonymous, we will then use the listed designation on the check (if applicable) and the matching gift appeal that corresponds to the current fiscal year. We only deviate from the original gift designation when explicitly stated by the matching gift company.

I am registered for the 5K and/or Kids Dash. Do I automatically receive a T-shirt?

No. T-shirts are not included in your registration. Individuals who fundraise at least $30 are eligible for a T-shirt.

Our team raised over $30. Does this mean we receive a t-shirt?

No. T-shirts are a part of the Individual Recognition Program. In order to qualify for a Race for Every Child t-shirt, each individual team member must fundraise $30 on their own individual fundraising page.

How do I receive my other recognition items?

If you plan to attend in person, you can pick up your eligible recognition items, based on your fundraising level achieved as of Race Day, at the Recognition Tent on Pennsylvania Ave. You can also continue to fundraise until Oct. 31 to receive additional items after the Race! Virtual participants will receive any eligible items, including the T-shirt, in the mail prior to Race Day based on fundraising as of Oct. 1, and following the Race based on fundraising by Oct. 31.

Where is the Champions Tent?

The Champions Tent is on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, located near the Main Stage. Participants who raised a total of $1,000 are allowed access to the tent, along with 3 additional guests. We will provide wrist bands for access.

Where is my Team Tent?

Teams that raised a collective $10,000 by Oct. 1 can find their team tent on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, by the Champions Tent and the Main Stage. I’m supposed to meet my team for a team photo. Where do I go and when? If your team meets $10,000 in collective team fundraising by Oct. 1, your team captain will receive a scheduled time for a team photo. All team photos will take place at your designated time at the step and repeat.

Can I switch my T-shirt for another size?

Yes! Please visit the T-Shirt Exchange, a self-service station, located by the Solutions Tent on Freedom Plaza. Participants will be able to exchange for any available T-shirt size(s).

Can I buy a 2024 Race T-shirt?

No. T-shirts are not for sale day-of or post-event.

Can I still make a donation on Race Day?

Yes! Please bring any cash or check donations to the Donation Tent on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. You can also visit RaceForEveryChild.org to make an online donation on or after Race Day.

What is the schedule of events for Race Day?

7am: Check-in and activities
8am: Opening Ceremony
8:45am: 5K
10am: Kids Dash

What and where is the 5K course?

The 5K is an out-and-back course that starts at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., heads toward the U.S. Capitol and passes iconic monuments.

What and where is the Kids Dash?

The Kids Dash is a 100-yard run on Pennsylvania Ave, NW for children ages 3-10. We ask kids line up by age in between 12th Street and 13th Street NW. The Kids Dash start line is on 12th Street and the finish line on 13th Street. Look for entrance signs.

Can I run with my child in the Kids Dash?

The Kids Dash course has a built-in Parents’ Lane, so parents may follow along at the same time as their child participates. You may accompany your child if they are 3 or 4 years old and unable to dash without help or if your child has a medical condition and requires assistance.

Can my child participate with me in the 5K? Can I participate with a stroller?

Yes! If you plan to push your child(ren) in a stroller, your child can join you in the 5K! If your child is registered for the Kids Dash, we welcome them to participate in the 5K as well. Please note that Kids Dash bibs do not have timing chips, so they will not receive an official finishing time.

We encourage people who are pushing strollers to line up in the back of the starting line instead of the front. Your Chronotrack B-Tag transponder will record your time from the moment you cross the starting line to the time you cross the finish line. If you’re running with a racing stroller, please seek out the less crowded parts of the roadway, especially during the first half mile. Volunteers with pace markers will be at the starting line to help you “self-seed.”

There is also a stroller valet located on 13th Street NW between E Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Can I participate with a wheelchair?

Yes! We encourage people who are pushing wheelchairs to line up in the back of the starting line instead of the front. Your Chronotrack B-Tag transponder will record your time from the moment you cross the starting line to the time you cross the finish line.

Can I run with my bag/backpack?

For security purposes, please drop off your bags at the free bag check on Freedom Plaza.

Can my dog participate with me?

Yes! Dogs must always remain on a leash. Please take weather into consideration when bringing your furry friends out on Race Day.

Is there food available for purchase?

There is no food available for purchase on Race Day. However, we do provide post-race snacks at the finish line for bibbed Race participants.

Is there water available?

Water bottles are available at the finish line for bibbed Race participants.

I lost a personal item. Where is the Lost and Found located?

The Lost and Found is located at the Information Tent on 13th Street NW.

Where are the closest restrooms?

Portable restrooms are located along the perimeter of Freedom Plaza.

Where is the closest ATM?

In the JW Marriott Washington, DC lobby (at the corner of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW).

When can I get my Race results?

Please go to the Results Tent for results, available immediately upon the Race finish. Results will also be available online at RaceForEveryChild.org starting at 5pm on Race Day.

Emergencies

Are there EMTs on-site?

Yes. EMTs are on-site at the Medical Tent. The Medical Tent is located on the corner of 13th Street NW and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Who do I call in an emergency situation?

Call the Race Emergency cell phone at (202) 577-1108.

I lost my child! What do I do?

Call the Race Emergency cell phone at (202) 577-1108. Go to the Medical Tent on the corner of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW.

Is there parking available on-site?

There is no designated parking for Race participants. We encourage you to carpool, take public transportation or bike to the Race site. If you do decide to drive, please be sure to plan for enough time to find street parking.

What is the shuttle schedule and where are the pick-up/drop-off locations?

Shuttles will run from Children’s National Hospital from 6:30 a.m. until noon on Race Day. The shuttle drop-off and return meeting location is on the corner of 13th Street and E Street NW.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Volunteer registration will open in August. If you are interested in volunteering, we’d love to know! Please email info@raceforeverychild.org to find out more about opportunities.

I’m a volunteer reporting for duty. Where do I go?

Visit the Volunteer Tent on 13th Street NW between E Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

What attire should volunteers wear on Race Day?

We will provide you with a complimentary Volunteer t-shirt and recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes (ex. sneakers or tennis shoes).