General & Event Logistics
Q: Why is the date changing after 29 years on the first Sunday of May?
A: Washington, D.C. was selected to host the 2027 NFL Draft. The citywide footprint, stage builds, and load-out schedule along Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall directly overlap with our traditional weekend. Due to the timing, location and impact of the 2027 NFL Draft, the city denied our request for use of Pennsylvania Avenue at Freedom Plaza on Sunday, May 2. City officials have confirmed that beyond 2027, we will return to our traditional schedule of the first weekend in May, directly before Head to the Hill.
Q: Is this a permanent date change for future years?
A: No. This is a one-time shift for 2027 due to D.C. hosting the NFL Draft. We will evaluate future event dates closer to the 2028 planning cycle, but the city has reassured us that the first weekend in May is being held for us if we choose to go back to our original schedule.
Q: Why is the race on a Saturday instead of a Sunday?
A: Shifting to Saturday, May 22, allowed us to secure Pennsylvania Avenue at Freedom Plaza and city permits seamlessly. A Saturday event also gives out-of-town participants and teams the rest of the weekend to celebrate, connect, and explore D.C. without immediately having to jump back into the work week.
Q: Has the event location or course route changed?
A: No! The event remains centered at Pennsylvania Avenue at Freedom Plaza, featuring our traditional course route with views of the U.S. Capitol.
Q: Is Head to the Hill changing dates, too?
A: No. Due to non-negotiable contracts and schedule availability with Congress, 2027 Head to the Hill will stay on May 3-4, 2027 and we invite you to attend both events. Questions? Email advocacy@braintumor.org.
Registration, Teams & Fundraising
Q: When does registration open for the 2027 event?
A: Registration officially opens on October 1, 2026. You can sign up early, start your team, and lock in your 30th Anniversary spots right away.
Q: Does the date change affect our team’s fundraising deadlines?
A: It actually helps! Moving the event to May 22 gives teams nearly three extra weeks of spring fundraising to hit their goals and earn 30th Anniversary fundraising incentives.
Q: What if I or a team member can no longer attend due to the new date?
A: We will miss you in person, but you can still participate as a Virtual Participant! You’ll receive your event shirt in the mail if you raise a minimum of $100 and can join the community online.
Operations & Participant Support
Q: Will parking or road closures be impacted differently on a Saturday?
A: No. Saturday street closures along Pennsylvania Avenue will mirror our standard race-day setups. Detailed parking options, metro schedules, and street closure maps will be updated on the event website closer to race day.
Q: Will the event schedule (survivor tribute, 5K start time) change?
A: No. The core schedule of events—including the opening ceremonies, Survivor Tribute, 5K run/walk, and post-race celebration—will follow a very similar timeline to past years. Final schedule details will be shared on the website.
