5K RUN & WALK for REFUGEES to benefit ECDC

ECDC 5K RUN & WALK for REFUGEESSunday, June 29, 2025
Bluemont Park South Shelter, 329 North Manchester Street, Arlington VA (map)
• 9:00 AM 5K run 

• 9:45 AM Kids' Kilometer (free)

• 10:00 AM post-race picnic

Enter on-line

Via RunSignUp.com

Race-day packet pickup

Starting 8:00 AM, Sunday, June 29, Bluemont Park

Additional Race Information:

www.safetyandhealthfoundation.org/runforrefugees

This year's t-shirt

One-page flyer
Sponsors:

Pacers Running Stores
 
Lady Octopus Tattoos
 
Dama Restaurant & Cafe

Metro 29 Diner
 
Swift Running
 
Trader Joe's of Clarendon

Individual sponsors:Ron MuniaAllene Wright Yemane YohannesMichael YohannesHanna SebhatMarlana Goodson 

Directions:

From Route 50, turn north to the end of Manchester Street. Turn right onto free parking. 
If parking is full, park at Bluemont Park North Shelter or Ashlawn School

Course:       

Paved park trails, one hill, no road crossings
OK for walkers and wheelchairs
USATF-Certified course map VA16054RT

Race size:     

About 100 in the 5K race.  About 10 tinish-tinish in the kids' kilometer 

Awards:         

$50 Pacers certificate for #1 finisher M/F + $25 Swift Running certificate
$30 Pacers certificate for #2 finisher M/F + $25 Swift Running certificate  
$20 Pacers certificate for #3 finisher M/F  + $25 Swift Running certificate
Random award:  $50 Metro 29 certificate   
Printed certificates for top 3 in age groups 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over
Medals for the first 100 finishers
Blue ribbons for all in Kids' Kilometer, courtesy of Potomac Valley Track Club

Timing

Hand-timed AND
Recorded by RFID and published online instantly on Webscorer results page 
Kids' Kilometer – FREE – 9:45 AM – clock times only

Post-race picnic

In the picnic shelter about 100 meters from the start / finish next to the restrooms
Courtesy of Dama Restaurant & Cafe
Live performance by Grammy-nominated musician Cheick Hamala

This race is a fundraiser for Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)

Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC), based in Arlington, Va., is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization (CBO) established in 1983 to respond to the needs of a growing Ethiopian community in the U.S. ECDC quickly became a multi-cultural, multi-service provider with local, national, and international reach. For 41 years, ECDC has been helping refugees and immigrants re-establish their lives as productive, self-sufficient members of their new communities.

One of 10 Resettlement Agencies authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees, ECDC has to date resettled more than 90,000 newcomers through its 25 affiliates and branch offices in 19 states across the USA. ECDC has 18 affiliate organizations, 7 branch offices, and 2 community partners.

In addition to its proud history of serving and advocating for refugees and vulnerable populations within the U.S., ECDC remains committed to providing humanitarian aid and educational services overseas, particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan.

Acknowledging the pressing demand to address the adversities encountered by children and youths impacted by the continuing crisis in Ethiopia, ECDC is orchestrating the "ECDC 5K Run & Walk for Refugees." This initiative endeavors to furnish vital assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ethiopia, with a specific emphasis on securing educational access and avenues for the children and youth affected by the turmoil. Through this initiative, ECDC aims to mobilize support and resources to aid those in distress and reignite hope for a promising future among the younger populace. To learn more about EDC's overseas projects: please visit our website: ECDC Humanitarian Assistance