The 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Run is a magnificent racing experience. The “rite of spring for runners” race course takes runners on a journey of the historic national mall, through scenic Rock Creek Park and Haine's Point before finishing back at the national mall. This is a must on your running list because of its patriotic feeling and historical scenery.
Facilities/Parking: The race begins on the Washington Monument grounds. Many of the roads will be blocked off for the race so runner’s best option is to take the Metro Service to the Smithsonian Mall, which Metro opens at 5:00 A.M. on race day. Some participants walk to the race from public parking nearby or from their hotels. They also have bike valet if you ride your bicycle to the race. Runners picked up their bibs and shirts before race day at the Health Expo held in the National Building Museum on April 10th and 11th.
If you want to leave any belongings, you need to place them in the clear plastic bag you will be given at packet pickup and then take it to the bag check area on race morning.
Starting Corral: Finding the starting corrals is very simple. Runners are assigned color-coded bibs based on previous race times. There will be approximately 2,500 runners in each corral. The waves will start at three to five minute intervals.
Race Course: With almost 18,000 runners in the 10 mile race, there are plenty of porta-potties on-site. The race course is fairly flat and fast. The course travels cross the Tidal Basin, around Memorial Bridge, down Rock Creek Parkway and head back to Independence Ave with a stretch to the tip of Haine’s Point. From there it is a straight two miles back to the Washington Monument to the finish line. There are a few very minor elevations, but nothing over 30 feet.
Refreshments: After finishing the race, runners will get heat blankets, bananas, granola mix, and water. Medals were awarded to runners who ordered them as part of their race package. Each race bib is personalized with the runner’s first name, so spectators and volunteers can congratulate runners by name.
Results: Each runner has a B-Tag on their bib which is used to record their progress and finish time as they pass over timing mats along the course. Runners will see clocks at every mile, and splits will record in real-time. Follow your runner or get race results here using the Credit Union Cherry Blossom smartphone app.
Weather: The temperature at race time is expected to be around 45F to 50F range.
Have you run this race? If so, please tell us about your experience.
