Applications for 2022 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk

After an unusual couple of years due to Covid-19 wreaking havoc on the global schedule of road races, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom race committee looks forward to welcoming runners back to Washington DC on April 3, 2022. Their hope is, of course, for a full field of runners to be greeted by blooming cherry blossoms at their peak for the 49th running of the Runner’s Rite of Spring®.

As has been the case for many, many years — except for 2020 when the in-person race was canceled, and 2021 when the race was held in September with strict Covid-19 restrictions — race officials expect demand for the race to exceed the limits on field size mandated by the National Park Service. Thus, entry into the 2022 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile and 5K Run-Walk will be conducted by lottery, which will run from Monday, January 3, through 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Lottery results should be posted on the event website (CherryBlossom.org) no later than Wednesday, January 19.

"Normalcy never felt so good," said Event Director Phil Stewart. "We are excited to have a race just like the old days. I am sure runners in the Washington metropolitan area and from around the country are feeling the same way, so we expect intense interest in the lottery."

Individuals who deferred their entry from the cancelled 2020 events will receive Guaranteed Entry Links (GELs) by email shortly before the lottery opens, and will be able to use them to bypass the lottery to gain entry directly into the 2022 Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk. GELs must be used by January 15, the day before the lottery closes.

In addition to the in-person race on April 3, race organizers will also be offering a virtual edition of the runs to coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 – April 17. Further details about the virtual Ten Mile and 5K Run-Walk can be found here. There will be no lottery for entry into the virtual runs, and registration will be open from January 3 through February 28.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Kids’ Run is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 2. Registration for the Kids’ Run will open on February 1; updated information will be available here.

The 2022 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Runs mark the 21st year of title sponsorship by Credit Union Miracle Day, and the 49th running of the race overall. Since 2002, over $10 million has been raised for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, with $619,000 raised through the 2020 and 2021 virtual runs and the 2021 in-person runs.

About the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile:

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile, organized by Cherry Blossom, Inc., a 501c(3) chapter of the Road Runners Club of America, is known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring®” in the Nation’s Capital. The staging area for the event is on the Washington Monument Grounds, and the course passes in sight of all of the major Washington, DC Memorials. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a consortium of 170 premier children’s hospitals across North America. About one-third of the funds raised support Washington, DC’s own Children’s National (“Children’s Hospital”). The event also funds the Road Runners Club of America’s “Roads Scholar” program, designed to support up-and-coming U.S. distance running talent.

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., a consortium of credit unions and credit union suppliers in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, PCSU and CO-OP Financial Services, is the title sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, 5K Run-Walk, and Kids' Run. Presenting sponsors include ASICS, Garmin, MedStar Health; supporting sponsors are E*Trade, Gatorade, Potomac River Running and Suburban Solutions.

The event is a proud member of the PRRO Circuit (PRRO.org), a series of major non-marathon prize money road races in Washington, DC; Spokane, WA; and Utica, NY. The circuit is committed to a drug-free sport and funds drug testing at all circuit events in compliance with the standards of international and U.S. drug testing authorities.

In addition to being sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the Road Runners Club of America, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run has earned Gold Level Inspire Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport in recognition of its legacy of commitment to sustainability and thoughtful resource management. To learn more, visit CherryBlossom.org and follow the event on social media @CUCB and #CUCB2021.

About Credit Union Miracle Day:

Credit Union Miracle Day is a partnership of over 100 credit unions, CUSOs and partner organizations united to sponsor the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run promoting awareness of the credit union difference and benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide.

About America's Credit Unions:

Credit unions are financial cooperatives that provide consumers choices for financial services such as checking accounts, investments and loans of all kinds including mortgages. Funds are federally insured, but unlike banks, there are no stockholders at credit unions. Earnings are returned to member-owners in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates, low or no-fee products and services. The credit union philosophy of placing members’ needs first is why more than 115 million Americans do their banking at a credit union.

posted Tuesday December 28th