Join us for President Lincoln’s Cottage Homecoming celebrations and run for freedom at the Seventh Annual Freedom 5K on September 18, 2021 -- in celebration of the 159^th  anniversary of Lincoln’s decision to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation – at the very home where he drafted it.

Traverse a pastoral landscape that winds past ponds, fields, historic buildings, and vistas on this breath-taking and challenging course. Located on the otherwise closed 250-acre grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home – home to hundreds of veterans – in Northwest Washington, DC, the run culminates on the foot of the lawn at President Lincoln’s Cottage, where a ceremony will take place.

See course map.

The race starts promptly at 9am. Stick around after the race for a tot-dash, and free Family Day event as part of our Homecoming celebrations – at a place Lincoln and his family called home.

Proceeds and donations from the run support the mission of President Lincoln’s Cottage, and advance our mission “to reveal the true Lincoln and continue the fight for freedom.” Your support helps us provide transformative experiences for thousands of people each year and preserve a dedicated space for courage, justice, and freedom to flourish. President Lincoln’s Cottage is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity and is the only National Monument that receives no federal operating support.

Registration fee: 
$35 until online registration closes on September 16 at 8:00 pm, then will be $40 through race day.

Tot Dash: 
100-foot Tot Dash for FREE following the 5k race. Register the morning of the race or in advance here.

Packet pickup:
Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, September 17, from 4:30-7:30 pm at President Lincoln’s Cottage and Saturday, September 18 starting at 7:30 am.

Swag and Awards:
All 5k participants will receive commemorative race swag and awards will be given to the overall top 3 male and female finishers

Check out our great awards:  

FIRST PLACE Male and First Place Female
-Membership to President Lincoln’s Cottage ($50 level)
-Winner’s Certificate
-Two tickets to Bourbon and Bluegrass ($120 value)
-A Premium Tour (private, behind the scenes) for up to 10 friends
-$50 gift certificate from Potomac River Running

SECOND PLACE Male and Second Place Female
-Membership to President Lincoln’s Cottage ($50 level)
-Winner’s Certificate
-A Signature Tour for up to 10 friends
-$25 gift certificate from Potomac River Running

THIRD PLACE Male and Third Place Female
-Membership to President Lincoln’s Cottage ($50 level)
-Winner’s Certificate
-$25 gift certificate from Potomac River Running

FAQs:
Location: President Lincoln’s Cottage is located on the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. We are located on Federal property and all Freedom 5k attendees must bring a photo ID to be checked at the security gate. The entrance to President Lincoln’s Cottage is through the Eagle Gate, located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road NW and Upshur Street NW. The street address is 140 Rock Creek Church Road, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Note: North Capitol Street address is NOT an entrance.

Parking: Parking is free but limited to 100 spots maximum and offered on a first come, first served basis, starting at 7:30 AM on the day of the race. We encourage carpools, ride share services such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation to the site. There is also street parking available in the nearby Petworth neighborhood. 

Public Transportation:  It is highly suggested you take public transportation to the event. There will be a bag drop available on site. Please use 140 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW, Washington DC, 20011 in your GPS or Maps service to plan your trip to the Cottage. President Lincoln’s Cottage is easily accessible from Green and Yellow metro Lines and Metro Bus. Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to drop off and pick up on site. Street parking in the surrounding Petworth neighborhood can also be utilized. 

Pets: Sorry, pets are not allowed on the grounds, as part of our Homecoming celebrations

Additional Information or Questions: Contact President Lincoln's Cottage at 202-618-3406 or Freedom5k@lincolncottage.org. Visit www.lincolncottage.org for more information on President Lincoln’s Cottage.