Stride for Hope 5K & Homecoming Festival

When: Saturday, April 25

Where: Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020

Time: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join us for our inaugural 5K Run/Walk in beautiful Anacostia Park! This family-friendly event brings together fitness, fun, and community while supporting Academy of Hope’s mission to empower adult learners in DC through education, career training, and life-changing support services.
More than just a run, the AoH 5K is a celebration of possibility. Every step you take helps adults in our community rewrite their stories through learning and growth.

Education is a public good. It uplifts entire communities, strengthens our workforce, and gives every person the chance to reach their potential. The funds raised from this event support programs that help adult learners build literacy skills, earn high-school credentials, and pursue new career pathways.

When you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger: a community effort to make lifelong learning accessible to all.

Stride for Hope 5K and 2026 Homecoming Festival

Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival

Join us for Academy of Hope’s inaugural 5K Run/Walk and homecoming festival —a family-friendly celebration of fitness, fun, and community in support of adult learners across Washington, DC.

Stride for Hope 5K

Schedule

TimeActivity
7:00 am5k Check-In, Registration, Warm-Up
8:00 amStride for Hope 5k Starts
9:30 amMedals and Awards
10:00 amHomecoming Festival
10:05 amCEO Welcome
10:15 amSpecial Guest Performance
10:30 am - 11:20 amMain Stage Performances
11:20 am -12 pmAoH: In-Conversation … Panel
12 pm - 1 pmMain Stage Performances
1 pm - 1:40 pmAoH: In-Conversation … Panel
2 pm - 3 pmHeadliner Act: Black Alley
3 pm - 3:30 pmFinal Stage Performance. Event concludes after the performance.

Performers

*Additional performers coming soon 

Festival Activation

Stride & Glide Silent Disco

Location: Skate Pavilion

Three Vibes. Grab Your Headphones. Pick Your Color. And Watch the Room GLOW!

Must Bring Your Own Skates (No Rental onsite)

*Requirements: State ID (Cannot Be Expired)

Stay Updated

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to catch all Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival updates as they occur.

Keep your network in-the-know by reviewing and sharing our Community Social Media Toolkit on your own social media platforms.

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Please RSVP to the Homecoming Festival if you do not intend on racing, but plan to attend the festival.

Make an Impact

Sponsor the 5k

Whether you’re building your first social impact initiative or expanding a long-standing commitment to education and workforce development, the Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival offers meaningful ways for companies of all sizes and sectors to engage.

Meet Our Sponsors

 Susan Kay and Barry Flax

Thomas and Denise Penny

Packed with Purpose
A decade of gifts that give back.

Become a Vendor

We are thrilled to announce that Vendor Applications are NOW OPEN for Academy of Hope’s Inaugural 5K “Stride for Hope” & Homecoming Festival!

Why Apply?

✅ Be a part of our milestone anniversary celebration (40 years and counting)

✅ Get brand exposure by connecting with AoH students, alumni, and the D.C. community.

Complimentary Community Vendor Opportunities A limited number of complimentary vendor spaces are currently available to our local partners.

Applications are subject to review, and notifications of acceptance will be distributed on or before April 1, 2026.

Space is Strictly Limited: Don’t wait— apply today to secure your spot!

Selection: Applications will be adjudicated by the Homecoming Committee.

Questions? Contact LaSonia King at lasonia@aohdc.org or Tomika Carter at tomika@aohdc.org.

Become a Learner

Academy of Hope offers FREE programs to DC residents over the age of 18. Enroll today and begin your journey toward your education and career goals!