5K and Family Carnival – FAQs

Join us for our 5K, kids’ fun run, moon bounces, laser tag, mechanical bull, face painting and more.

Event Information & FAQs

We are thrilled you are planning to join us for the annual JBLF 5K and Family Carnival. Your participation helps fund access to much-needed maternal and infant care for economically vulnerable moms and babies.

Below is information to help you make the most of your time at the 5K!

How can I register? By clicking here.

Do I need to run in the 5K to participate? No, you can sign up for just the 5K, register only for the Family Carnival, or get a combo package for both the 5K & Family Carnival for an even better deal. Spectators are also welcome to join us for free and cheer on the runners and Carnival participants!

But if you plan to participate in any activities, we do ask that you register; registration is now open and will also be available onsite at the 5K & Family Carnival.

What does the Carnival registration include? Adults get to enjoy the unlimited beer garden while kids get unlimited access to the following Family Carnival activities: Kids’ Fun Run, face painting, balloon animals, moon bounces, mechanical bull, laser tag, DJ and more!

Are food and beverage available? We will provide complimentary water throughout the event.  There are several choices of food and drink for purchase, including breakfast sandwiches, juice and soda, as well as food trucks selling pizza, donuts and coffee drinks.  The carnival will also have a complimentary popcorn machine and a beer/mimosa garden for adults.

COVID-19 Rules and Requirements: By registering for this event, participants agree to abide by all COVID-19 rules, requirements and other safety guidelines issued by the event, county, and the state. Such requirements will be monitored and updates as needed.

Do you offer Early Bird pricing?
Yes! Discounted early bird pricing will be available until October 1, 2024, saving you up to $10 per person.

Can I register at the event? YES! You can register for the 5K until 8:30am on the morning of the race, and Carnival wristbands are available all day on Nov. 23 until the conclusion of the event at 1pm. Avoid the lines and register online ahead of time! Skip the line day of by using our QR code signs.

I don’t want to run, are there volunteer opportunities? Yes! This event would not be possible without the help of our volunteers, not just on race day but before and after. You can sign up by clicking here.

What is the date and time of the event? The annual 5K & Family Carnival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 (i.e., the Saturday before Thanksgiving). Event activities, including a warm up and remarks from our emcee, will start at 8:30am, with race kick-off at 9:00am. The Carnival runs from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

Where and when can I pick up my race packet? Race packet pick-up is available on the following dates and locations:

Friday, November 22
2:00pm to 7:30pm
Pacers Clarendon 3100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Saturday, November 23 (pre-race)
8:15am to 8:45am
Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA 22207

5K and Carnival registrants will receive a complimentary t-shirt and race bag while supplies last.

Where does the 5K take place? 
Knights of Columbus – Map
5115 Little Falls Road
Arlington, VA

The Knights of Columbus is located in a suburban neighborhood in North Arlington, accessible by car or Metrobus 23.

When does the 5K start? The 5K race starts at 9:00am. Please plan to arrive by 8:30am for pre-race festivities including a welcome and fun warm up.

How is the 5K timed? Our timing partner, AREEP, will use ChronoTrack timing tags.

Do you allow strollers on the 5K course? Strollers are welcome on the course and will start in the last wave.

When does the Kids’ Fun Run start? The Kids’ Fun Run will begin after the 5K course is cleared, likely around 10:00am.

Where can I park at the 5K & Family Carnival? Limited, on-site VIP parking is available for Saturday, November 23, for $20, and can be purchased online. Handicap parking passes park free. Note that the entrance to VIP Parking will be closed from 8:50am to 9:05am for the 5K start.

Free street parking is available near the Knights of Columbus, but may be limited due to the race course. Roads in and around the Knights of Columbus will also be closed for brief periods during the 5K.

Additional parking is available at local schools located a short walking distance from Knights of Columbus.

Yorktown High School (0.2 miles from KOC)
5200 Yorktown Blvd
Arlington, VA
Park and walk. Cross Yorktown Blvd and walk down 30th St N. Left on N Florida St. Cross Little Falls Road and go to the entrance of KOC on Little Falls Road.

Discovery Elementary (0.5 miles from KOC)
5241 36th Street N
Arlington, VA
Park and walk. Turn left to walk down 36th St N. Right on N Harrison St. Left on 32nd St N. Left on Little Falls Road. Entrance to KOC will be on your left.

Can I get to the 5K by public transportation? Yes! Metrobus 23 stops approximately 0.4 miles away at Old Dominion Dr & Little Falls Rd. To determine the best public transportation route, we recommend consulting Metro’s Trip Planner.

What happens if it rains? Our event will take place rain or shine!

How is your race date set? Our event takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Can I get a refund for my registrations? Entry fees for our charity event are nonrefundable.

How are funds raised by JBLF used? Your support helps change the day to day lives of low income moms in Arlington. This support has included funding a telemedicine program at Virginia Hospital Center’s Outpatient Clinic that is removing barriers to care for low-income moms experiencing high-risk pregnancies; subsidizing transportation for economically vulnerable mothers so that they don’t miss critical prenatal appointments; and providing new pack-and-plays to families in need so their newborns have a safe place to sleep. Read more about the impact of JB-LF and this charity race here.

Is my registration fee tax deductible? Due to the goods and services received with your registration, that fee is not tax deductible. However, any donation made above the registration fee is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I bring my dog? We love animals, but please leave your dogs at home. No dogs allowed on the premises.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact [email protected] with additional questions. JBLF is incredibly grateful for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in November!