Runners in Costume Take Over the National Arboretum Roads for FONA's Fall 5K and Festival on Halloween Morning
The Fall 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on a course closed to cars, followed by a free festival with a Thriller dance party, a costume contest and trick-or-treat stations among the fall foliage.
Halloween morning starts on foot at the U.S. National Arboretum, where the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) holds its Fall 5K and Festival on Saturday, October 31. The race starts at 8:30 a.m., and race proceeds benefit FONA's work at the Arboretum, according to the organization's seasonal festivals page.
The course gives runners and walkers something rare in the District: a secure route closed to all cars, winding through the Arboretum's fall foliage. A commemorative pint glass award goes to the first-place 5K finishers, FONA says.
The festival side of the morning is built for families who skip the run. Festival activities offered by DC Squared begin at 10 a.m., and the morning includes a "Thriller" dance party, a Halloween costume contest and trick-or-treat stations, according to FONA. The Eventbrite festival listing adds a Thriller Zumba dance at 8 a.m. and pumpkin decorating, with festival activities running until noon at the Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE.
Festival registration is free, while the 5K requires its own registration; East of the River DC News reported race tickets at $55 to $60, with kids 12 and younger free. FONA notes that visitors do not have to run the race to enjoy the festival.
