Every run, swim, ride and race

Join us for the 25th annual US FreedomWalk Festival 16-18 October 2026!

The US FreedomWalk Festival® is a weekend, non-competitive, social walking challenge bringing participants of all ages and abilities together for fun, fitness, and international friendship. There are three themes to the annual event:

Fitness through walking

Learning about US history and freedoms

Making friends from all over the world

Truly a Volksmarch to remember!

The event was created in 2002 to welcome walkers from all over the world to the nation's capital city in friendship. This walking event is hosted by Arlington County, Virginia and US FreedomWalk - AVA Club 901. Arlington County has been named a Gold Level Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. The County is one of 15 communities nationwide to have received this level rating.

The walk is a three-day civil and military, noncompetitive walk for everyone. It promotes friendship and education about the United States and other countries. This is not a charity walk.

On Friday, experience Arlington Virginia hospitality with a short "Welcome Walk" on Friday afternoon. By the way, in 2022, Arlington was named one of the five Walk Friendly Platinum Communities in the U.S. along with much larger cities like San Francisco and New York City.

The Saturday trails go along National Mall, and all three branches of the federal government depending on the distance selected by the participants.

Sunday's trails Washington National Cathedral, memorials, and through Georgetown depending on the distance selected by the participants.

Start at your leisure each day during the start period and walk at your own pace. Everyone must register at the start location.

This is a family event for all ages. You choose your desired course based on your abilities and personal desires. The walk is for your health.

The event is co-hosted by:

IML Walking Association

AVA-America's Walking Club

US FreedomWalk - AVA Club 901

Arlington County, Virginia USA

Event details and schedule

This years event will be held 16-18 October 2026. It is our 25th Year!

Trails

Each day features a different walk available only on that day. At noon on Friday, join in a Welcome Walk west of the Potomac River. Friday’s trails are 5 and 10 km long (3 / 6 miles). All sports participants must finish by 6:00 pm.

The opening ceremony will be held at 4 pm on Friday.

Saturday’s 6/12/21/42 km (3 /6 /12+ miles) will begin at 8 am. The walks go along National Mall, and all three branches of the federal government depending on the distance selected by the participants. All sports participants must finish by 6:00 pm.

Join in a group social on Saturday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm with a DJ and cash bar.

Sunday’s 6/12/21km (3/6/12+ miles) walks begin at 8 am. The walks go by the Washington National Cathedral, memorials, and through Georgetown depending on the distance selected by the participants. All participants must finish by 4:00 pm.

The closing ceremony will be held at 3:00 pm.

Note: Pre-registation runs through October 9, 2026. Registration fees increase $5 on day of event (n/a IVV Credit Only).

Enjoy the beauty of Fables and Feathers vineyards while logging some miles with friends and supporting the furry friends at Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center! This beginner-friendly four-mile route winds in and around the vines and property at Fables and Feathers, and the epic finish line of sipping and socializing awaits you! Rather than traditional timing for this event, Wine 4 Wildlife 4-miler overall male and female winners will be crowned based on closest to their PREDICTED FINISH TIME. That's right, all participants who wish to be eligible for the prediction run prizes will leave all watches/phones/devices at the start line and wind through the vineyard without any technology. Participation in the prediction run challenge is optional, but you must denote prior to race day whether or not you wish to participate in the challenge. The male and female participants closest to their predicted finish time will win a prize package from Hoka and our friends at Fables and Feathers Winery!

ALL finishers receive a limited-edition Wine 4 Wildlife wine-stopper medal- then present your medal at the tasting room for a free glass of Fables and Feathers wine! Additional tastings and purchases available onsite. Tasting room stays open late just for us, let's thank our event hosts at Fables and Feathers by supporting their small business! Event merchandise will also be available for purchase as well so bring your trail shoes and your thirst for fun- it's going to be a great day to walk, jog, run, and have fun for a great cause! Don't forget, our event overlaps with the Christmas in July event at Fables and Feathers so wear your festive Santa gear and earn $20 in store credit just for displaying your holiday spirit!

Race into Summer with =PR= Run & Walk's Youth Running Camp!

Unleash your inner runner! =PR= Run & Walk - RVA invites young athletes to join our FREE Youth Summer Camp. Inspired by the vision of founding camp coaches Bill Kelly & Rosie Schutte, we're creating a community where everyone can discover the joy of running. This camp is about more than just fitness; it's about building confidence, making friends, and finding the fun in movement.

Who's Ready to Run? Young runners entering grades 6, 7, 8, or 9 are invited to join the adventure! Please note: Campers should be able to run a continuous mile to fully participate in the training.

Where's the Starting Line? We'll be based at a local Chesterfield County Middle School Complex, taking advantage of the track, spacious fields, and scenic paved trails of the surrounding neighborhood. *more details can be found below.

When Does the Fun Begin? Mark your calendars for July 13th-17th, Monday-Friday (weather permitting). Drop-off is from 7:40-7:45 AM, and pick-up is no later than 11:30am.

What's in Store for You?

Run, Learn, and Thrive: We'll cover the fundamentals of running, improve your conditioning, and teach you healthy habits for a lifetime of movement.

Expert Coaches: Our experienced coaches, including local runners and certified professionals, will provide personalized guidance and support in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. You'll be grouped with runners of similar abilities.

Inspiring Speakers: Hear from experts on a range of topics, from choosing the right running shoes to understanding nutrition for athletes and preventing injuries. We'll also explore the exciting world of high school and college running.

Community Connection: We're passionate about building a strong and supportive running community. Our camp reflects =PR= Run & Walk's mission to make running accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Safety First: We'll have certified medical/CPR/First Aid staff on-site to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all campers.

How to Join the Fun?

This amazing camp is FREE! However, registration is required.

Space is limited to 100 campers, so register early to secure your spot! Note: A waitlist will be available if the camp fills up,

Location: Our camp will be hosted at a local Chesterfield County Middle School. Location TBA once permit is issued by Parks & Rec 90 days prior to camp. *Registration will open on April 1, 2026.

Weather Policy: All activities are outdoors. In case of inclement weather, activities will be canceled, and you'll be notified by 7:00 AM that day. Please check your email regularly!

Important Information for Campers:

• Campers should be able to run a continuous mile.

• Please be on time for drop-off and pick-up. Runners not picked up by 11:30 AM may not be able to continue in the program.

• Respectful behavior and adherence to coaches' instructions are expected.

Let's hit the ground running together this summer!

#YouthRunning #YouthRunCamp #CommunityRunning #PRRunWalk #GetActive #SummerFun #MidlothianVA #RunRVA