Organizers call for participants to run the Virtual National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20 – April 11 wherever they are

While this year’s in-person Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, 5K Run-Walk and all the usual race weekend activities have been postponed until September 10 – 12, 2021, race organizers have been busy planning for the upcoming Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile and 5K Virtual Runs that will coincide with dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20 through April 11, 2021. Registration for the virtual runs is now open, and will remain open until through Friday, April 9. Runners are encouraged to browse the virtual run information on the Credit Union Cherry Blossom website for more information and a link to the registration page.

While it isn’t possible to allow dogs to participate in the in-person 10-mile and 5K events, dog-loving runners are encouraged to register both themselves and their favorite dog(s) in the Virtual Run. Dogs run for free, but dog lovers can dress up their pups with doggie scarves and dog collars, and celebrate their achievement with “My Dog Ran CUCB VR” car magnets available for purchase on the event website by March 10. In addition, intense competition is expected in the voting to be held for cutest dog picture at the conclusion of the Virtual Run.

“Initially, we were doggone disappointed to have to cancel our in-person event for the second year in a row,” said Event Director Phil Stewart, “but we’re doing all we can to be COVID-safe while encouraging runners, notably those with dogs, to get out and celebrate the cherry blossom season and the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival wherever they are. Virtual Run participants are encouraged to run 10 miles or 5K in local areas that showcase cherry blossoms at their peak, and they will be able to upload cherry blossom photos with their race results.”

The ten best photos, as judged by event organizers, will be posted on the Credit Union Cherry Blossom website and social platforms for an open-to-the-public vote for the most scenic cherry blossom locale. Prizes will be awarded to the top three vote-getters

The entry fee for the Virtual Run is $35, which includes a specially designed Virtual Run cotton t-shirt and a Virtual Run medal featuring our unique Virtual Run t-shirt art. Runners who would prefer to receive an ASICS technical performance shirt can purchase an upgrade for $20.

Both the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run March 20 – April 11 and the in-person events scheduled for September 10 – 12, 2021, serve as important fundraising opportunities for Children’s Miracle Network—our official charity partner—and Virtual Run participants are strongly encouraged to set up their own personal pages to raise funds to provide cutting-edge health care to children in their own communities using this link.

The 2021 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run this spring and September’s in-person events will celebrate the 20th year of title sponsorship by Credit Union Miracle Day. Since 2002, over $10 million has been raised for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including $439,000 this year. Of that $439,000, $66,000 came from runners donating their entry fees instead of asking for a refund when race weekend in our Nation’s Capital was wiped out by COVID-19 last April.

posted Friday February 26th