The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s mission is to create the entertaining programs, educational initiatives, and art and cultural showcases enjoyed by the community each spring.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of spring, announced the inaugural Spirit of Spring 5K virtual run and walk, being held November 6-15. 

Proceeds from the Spirit of Spring 5K will benefit both the 2021 Festival programming, which will remain predominantly free and open to the public, and the Trust for the National Mall’s Cherry Tree Endowment, which supports the year-round care and maintenance of the 3,800 cherry trees on the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service. 

Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival said, “While the crunch of leaves and crisper air have welcomed fall’s arrival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is already looking ahead to the cherished springtime celebration in our Nation’s capital. We hope the community will join us virtually, sometime between November 6 and November 15, to run or walk solo or with their family, friends, or four-legged best friends to help support the Festival’s mission and the preservation of the iconic cherry trees”.  

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s mission is to create the entertaining programs, educational initiatives, and art and cultural showcases enjoyed by the community each spring. The Festival team is working with the Washington, D.C., mayor’s office, the National Park Service, and other officials, partners, and stakeholders to plan and provide a variety of safe and engaging 2021 Festival programs. A full schedule is being developed, with more details to be shared along with the revealing of the official 2021 artwork next month. 

The Spirit of Spring 5K can be completed by running or walking a 5K distance anytime and anywhere between November 6-15. All Spirit of Spring 5K registrants will receive a limited edition 2020 Festival T-shirt and a collectible 2020 commemorative pin, featuring artwork designed by Frederick, Maryland-based artist and graphic designer, Matt Long.