Hundreds of walkers will gather along Washington’s waterfront next month to raise money and awareness in the fight against addiction, one of the nation’s most pressing public health crises.
The 2026 Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Washington, D.C., set for Oct. 17 at The Wharf, brings together families, advocates and community members for a morning of solidarity organized by Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the addiction epidemic. Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $135,000. As of this week, participants had raised $65,852, roughly half of that target.
The event begins at 101 District Square SW, where the walk site opens at 8 a.m. The official program starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the walk kickoff at 10 a.m. The route is accessible and dog-friendly and includes a water station for participants.
So far, 171 participants and 51 teams have registered. Teams such as Walking for Ryan, TeamMattyLoud and Drew’s Crew lead the fundraising effort, many of them created in memory of or in honor of loved ones affected by addiction. Participants who raise their first $50 earn an exclusive 2026 Shatterproof T-shirt.
The gathering comes as communities across the country continue to confront the toll of substance use disorders. Shatterproof works to reverse the course of the addiction crisis through advocacy, treatment reform and efforts to end the stigma that keeps many people from seeking help. Events like the D.C. walk fund those programs while giving affected families a public space to share their stories.
National sponsors supporting this year’s walk include Braeburn, HEI Hotels and Barry’s.
Registration and donations are open online at fundraise.shatterproof.org/dcwalk. Organizers encourage participants to sign up early, form teams and begin fundraising ahead of the Oct. 17 event.
