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Race For Hope DC

The brain tumor community will come together on May 5, 2024, in the nation’s capital for a 5K Walk/Run to raise awareness and funds to support the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. The Race for Hope DC is a family-friendly event for all ages! Join us for a morning of celebration, remembrance and hope. Your community is here. Let’s discover a cure, together.

Join us:

In-person participation options include an event t-shirt if you register prior to April 5, 2024. Event t-shirts are not guaranteed to late registrants. Registration fees will increase on March 1, 2024, and again on event week.

  • Walker – $30
  • Timed Runner– $40
  • Youth Walker (12 and under) – $5
  • Youth Timed Runner (12 and under) – $20
  • Volunteer – FREE

New in 2024

Virtual Participant – FREE registration for those who are unable to attend the event in person. Event t-shirts will be mailed to all virtual participants who raise $75 or more by April 5, 2024. T-shirts will arrive to you by event day. Virtual participants who register after April 5, 2024, will not qualify for an event t-shirt.

Plan your day:

Event Schedule

7:00 AM – Registration/Packet Pickup opens on Freedom Plaza
8:15 AM – Race Warm Up on Stage at Freedom Plaza
8:40 AM – Opening Remarks and Survivor Tribute
9:00 AM – 5K Start
10:00 AM – Kids Fun Run
10:30 AM – Closing Ceremony – Rachel Rabinovitz Impact Award and Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg Triumph of the Spirit Award presentations, fundraising and running award winners

For the walk/run, participants have the choice to run the 5K as a timed participant, untimed runner, or walk at your own pace. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome, but please leave your furry friends at home. Service animals are allowed. For the little ones, we will have a Kids Fun Run after the 5K (75 yard dash) where all participants will receive a medal. Please be sure to register all children who wish to participate. Water will be available at the halfway point of the 5K and at Freedom Plaza, along with ice cream and light snacks.
Questions? Email us at racedc@curebraintumors.org.

5K Course Map
Parking near Freedom Plaza

Hotel Room Blocks:
We have courtesy room blocks at two hotels in downtown DC. Rates expire April 4th

Washington Marriott at Metro Center
775 12th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
booking link

JW Marriott Washington DC
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20004, US
booking link

Head to the Hill

On May 6-7, 2024, volunteers from across America return to Capitol Hill to advocate for the federal government to make strategic investments in brain tumor research and address other critical issues affecting the brain tumor community.

More information Join the Head to the Hill Race for Hope DC Team

Wall of Hope

The Wall of Hope is a tribute displayed on Freedom Plaza on event day. You are invited to contribute a photo of your loved one you participate for. We honor brain tumor survivors and those we’ve sadly lost.
Information on how to submit your photo is below.

Wall of Hope photo submission guidelines:

  • One Wall of Hope entry allowed per honoree
  • Photo/collage size cannot exceed 8″X10″ when printed
  • Name your file with the name of the person in the photo
  • Please email submissions to RaceDC@curebraintumors.org with Wall of Hope as your email subject line. You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours.
  • Submission deadline is Friday, April 21.

If you would like us to use a submission from the 2023 Wall of Hope, please email racedc@curebraintumors.org with your name and the name of your honoree and we will check for your entry.

Team and Individual Fundraising Incentives

Fundraising for the brain tumor community takes real commitment to our cause, so we want to celebrate your successes.

Commemorative Pin

New in 2024, our NBTS Accelerator Club will recognize event participants like you driving brain tumor breakthroughs forward through your fundraising efforts. The more you raise, the more additional prizes you can earn. By raising $250 or more on your personal fundraising page by event day, you will become part of the NBTS Accelerator Club.

$250 – Accelerator: By raising $250 or more on your personal fundraising page by event day, you will become part of the NBTS Accelerator Club and receive exclusive benefits, including:

  • 2024 Accelerator Pin. Wear it at your event to raise awareness and share pride in your fundraising efforts
  • Recognition at registration and packet pickup
  • A Digital Accelerator Badge on your personal fundraising page

$5,000 – Changemaker 
In addition to the Accelerator Club benefits, you will also receive:

  • VIP Fast Lane at day-of event registration and t-shirt pickup
  • Changemaker lanyard
  • Verbal recognition at the event by the event emcee
  • Changemakers will be highlighted on social media

$10,000 – Groundbreaker 
In addition to the Accelerator Club Benefits, you will also receive:

  • VIP Fast Lane at day-of event registration and t-shirt pickup
  • Groundbreakers will be recognized on stage at your event!
  • Groundbreaker medal
  • Groundbreakers will be highlighted on social media

Additional Individual Fundraising Prizes:
Achieve one of the milestones listed below by May 19th and your prize will be mailed directly to your home post-event.

  • Raise $750 – $1,499 on your personal fundraising page to earn a NBTS ballcap
  • Raise $1,500 – $4,999 on your personal fundraising page to earn a NBTS fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover
  • Raise $5,000-$9,999 on your personal fundraising page to earn a NBTS backpack
  • Raise $10,000+ on your personal fundraising page to earn a NBTS rain jacket
Team Fundraising Prize:

All teams who raise $5000 or more by April 19, 2024, will earn a team highlight slide on the Jumbotron!

Fundraising Resources & Help Desk:

National Brain Tumor Society wants to make sure you are successful in your fundraising efforts. Equip yourself with these curated fundraising resources to maximize your impact.

Highest Earning Teams
Rank Team Name Amount Earned
1 Rachel’s Racers $65,522.81
2 Team Z Mac $27,026.87
3 Maryland Brain Tumor Center $25,030.00
4 Rabbi’s Runners $20,800.67
5 BASEHOAR’S BRAINIACS & MAINE~IACS! $11,971.39
6 Kate’s Crew $11,742.91
7 JBWarriors $11,178.25
8 We Walk for Them $9,979.67
9 Team Incredibles $9,222.98
10 David Cook’s Team for a Cure $8,727.64
Highest Earning Participants
Rank Participant Name Amount Earned
1 Katherine Savits $57,738.56
2 Frank MacChiarola $8,715.00
3 Keith Burke $8,685.00
4 Bridget Basehoar $8,151.04
5 Karen Turner $6,663.48
6 Salo Zelermyer $6,376.87
7 Matthew Muench $5,705.89
8 Bridget McCall $5,697.50
9 Jonathan Weinberg $5,025.00
10 Rebecca (Becky) Schwartz $3,977.50

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Event Sponsorship

As an event sponsor, your organization will connect with the brain tumor community on a platform that will enable meaningful and enduring impact for both your brand and our mission. Sponsorship will allow your organization to make a difference in the lives of millions.

For more information, please contact: partnerships@braintumor.org or 617.863.8345.

Sponsorship Opportunities Email us

For more information, please contact the Race for Hope DC team at RaceDC@curebraintumors.org.

Thank you to our sponsors & media partners


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