Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
Washington, DC
- 10 Miler, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 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 … MORE
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Fast course if weather is good
It was good weather for the race this year (overcast, mild temps, and no wind). This was my fourth year running the race and my time seems to be more … MORE
It was good weather for the race this year (overcast, mild temps, and no wind). This was my fourth year running the race and my time seems to be more dependent on the weather than my fitness. Nevertheless, it is a well-organized race that should be on your bucket list.
Packed!
Overall a great race with top tier production. Info was consistently communicated both on their website and by email leading up to the race. Race site being at the Washington … MORE
Overall a great race with top tier production. Info was consistently communicated both on their website and by email leading up to the race. Race site being at the Washington Monument Grounds was probably one of my favorite aspects of the race. Another thing I really liked was the option to forego a medal in order to keep race entry costs low.
Given the popularity of the race and the fact that participation was limited to 20k runners by way of the lottery entry system, the event was packed to say the least. There were very few instances that I can remember where I didn’t have to weave through people to pass. Aid stations were spaced out well, with plenty of volunteers manning each location.
Not sure if I’ll be running this again anytime soon, but it was definitely an experience I do not regret signing up for!
Fun Course with Iconic Sights
Flat course with a hill at the end, the weather this year was around 70F and cloudy. Caught the cherry blossoms at the tail end of the season, but last … MORE
Flat course with a hill at the end, the weather this year was around 70F and cloudy. Caught the cherry blossoms at the tail end of the season, but last blooms were still beautiful. Scenery was great running by the monuments and Potomac River. Very well organized during the day of the race.
Bucket list race
Even though the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin were all gone, there were still quite a few in East Potomac Park, and the course is otherwise so beautiful that … MORE
Even though the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin were all gone, there were still quite a few in East Potomac Park, and the course is otherwise so beautiful that I wasn’t too bummed about it. Weather was perfect for running. The race was well organized all the way around, from expo to bag check to corrals. I really enjoyed seeing the pros run by on the out-and-back sections. The course was mostly flat, but there is a hill at the end, and there are some potholes along the road to watch out for. I did like the T-shirt design, but the medal (which was a $15 add-on) was underwhelming. I would make a trip for this race again.
Cherry Blossom
It was easy to walk to from my hotel the Arlo, race was gorgeous, great views tons of spectators out cheering, the volunteers were amazing. The start time was 7:15 … MORE
It was easy to walk to from my hotel the Arlo, race was gorgeous, great views tons of spectators out cheering, the volunteers were amazing. The start time was 7:15 for the elite runners and the corrals are crazy packed at 7am. The water stops started at mile 4 and were more frequent as the race went on. The weather held out, no rain and the cherry blossoms were gorgeous. It was a lovely run.
Well organized, fast, fun race
The production around this event was top-notch - so well organized. Packet pickup was smooth, and making it to the race was easy. Not necessarily a criticism of the event, … MORE
The production around this event was top-notch – so well organized. Packet pickup was smooth, and making it to the race was easy. Not necessarily a criticism of the event, but the porta-potty lines were insurmountable starting an hour before right up until the time of the event.
The course was flat and provided a nice tour of some notable DC landmarks (the capital, most notably). There were a ton of people cheering on the runners throughout the course, and a live samba band played around the halfway point!
In addition to the 5K, I did the kids’ run with my 5-year-old and was pleasantly surprised at the safety measures that they had in place. The kids had a blast running with Stumpy!
I’d consider doing this event again, but will try to get into the 10mi first.
lots of pros and cons
This race is very flat. There are potholes to dodge, however. There's one intersection in the beginning that was quite disorienting because there were runners coming/going in all four directions. … MORE
This race is very flat. There are potholes to dodge, however. There’s one intersection in the beginning that was quite disorienting because there were runners coming/going in all four directions. It was ok scenery but nothing spectacular-the problem with making any cherry blossom race is that they might not blossom when you think they will and were definitely not at peak bloom. There were so many runners in the beginning it’s almost impossible to not get boxed in, and it’s almost impossible to stop without hitting the people behind you. I actually kind of enjoyed that though because it pushed me to stay at a consistent pace. Well organized.
Great tour of DC
This 10mile running tour of DC has great scenery. The production and logistics was manageable with so many parking and arrival options. I loved running Memorial Bridge and Haines Point. … MORE
This 10mile running tour of DC has great scenery. The production and logistics was manageable with so many parking and arrival options. I loved running Memorial Bridge and Haines Point. It was a bit crowded at the start even though corrals were used. This will be another annual 10Miler (Baltimore/Annapolis/Army) for me in the DMV area.
Beautiful race but disorganized finish
I've run this race twice, in 2022 and 2024. Pros: 1) Beautiful course that starts by the Washington Monument and goes past several other memorials, with the last few miles … MORE
I’ve run this race twice, in 2022 and 2024.
Pros:
1) Beautiful course that starts by the Washington Monument and goes past several other memorials, with the last few miles through rows of cherry blossoms in East Potomac Park. Also flat as a pancake.
2) Fantastic communication leading up to the race and super detailed website with all relevant information
3) Option to opt out of a t-shirt or purchase a medal – great sustainability effort which also lowers the registration cost if you don’t care about swag
Cons:
1) Bag check at the finish line in 2024 was incredibly disorganized. It was not like this in 2022 so I’m not sure what went wrong this time (lack of volunteers?) but I literally waited 45 minutes in line to get my bag back.
2) The course can get pretty congested at times, especially in the sections that are out and back
Nice spring race
Nice flat course but very crowded for the first 3 miles. So, it is hard to get a good start. The race is run well, but there were still challenges … MORE
Nice flat course but very crowded for the first 3 miles. So, it is hard to get a good start. The race is run well, but there were still challenges with the bag drop-off and pick-up. Unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were long gone.
Always a great race
One of my favorite races. The course runs past many famous Washington D.C. monuments. It starts and finishes in between the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian African American museum. The … MORE
One of my favorite races. The course runs past many famous Washington D.C. monuments. It starts and finishes in between the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian African American museum.
The course if flat and fast. There are plenty of volunteers helping ensure that everyone has a great time. Unfortunately, this year the bag check lines were extremely long. I don’t blame it on the volunteers. They were great. The race organizers should analyze this and correct it for next year. It was the only blemish on an outstanding annual event.
Electric race atmosphere, big race !
A nice, scenic race with professional elite runners and amateurs. The race shirts are always nice. Popular race that sells out each year. Volunteer to get guaranteed entry for the … MORE
A nice, scenic race with professional elite runners and amateurs. The race shirts are always nice. Popular race that sells out each year. Volunteer to get guaranteed entry for the following year. Willing to return and run it again!
Great course in the Nation's Capital
This was race one of the Double Blossom (5K &10Miler). Although I work in the capital, running the closed streets felt so new. Decent course with no hills but great … MORE
This was race one of the Double Blossom (5K &10Miler). Although I work in the capital, running the closed streets felt so new. Decent course with no hills but great views around the capital for such a 5K. Production was great and all the volunteers did a great job of communicating to Double Blossom runners about the additional line. Raceday packet pickup is available or you can attend the expo at the National Building Museum.
Great race and great weather
Weather was great and crowds were heavy! Lots of people on the course, we were packed in like sardines. Actual race was great, however the post-race was a shit show. … MORE
Weather was great and crowds were heavy! Lots of people on the course, we were packed in like sardines. Actual race was great, however the post-race was a shit show. No medals, 90 minute wait times to collect bag drop off, and shirts sucked.
Fast course tho!
Festive Atmosphere as always
The combination of Cherry Blossoms and the historical monuments of our nation's capital are impossible to beat. This was my second time running the race. I have to ask myself … MORE
The combination of Cherry Blossoms and the historical monuments of our nation’s capital are impossible to beat. This was my second time running the race. I have to ask myself why I don’t run this every year!
The volunteers are great, the course is beautiful, and everyone is excited to participate.
The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler along with the Marine Corp Marathon are the best races in DC and there is a reason there is a lottery for both.
Beautiful Run in DC
Loved this race- it was a beautiful but chilly day- DC is a great place to have a race! Everything was smooth and easy to navigate. It's great to run … MORE
Loved this race- it was a beautiful but chilly day- DC is a great place to have a race! Everything was smooth and easy to navigate. It’s great to run the streets of DC and cross over the river and back. The swag is just okay- you have to pay extra for a medal- which I usually don’t want anyway. I would do this race every year! But my son just graduated from one of the DC universities, so may not be back
Flat, scenic course
I enjoyed this race even though I wasn't in top form that day. It's nice and flat and you beautiful with the cherry blossom trees in bloom. It was well … MORE
I enjoyed this race even though I wasn’t in top form that day. It’s nice and flat and you beautiful with the cherry blossom trees in bloom. It was well organized and had good course support. My only complaint is the swag, particularly the shirt. It looks nice, but fits really weird in the arms. If you wanna fun ten mile race, this is a good one to do.
Too crowded at beginning of race
Flat, scenic course through downtown. There are lots of turns at the beginning of the race and it is very crowded. So, it is important to get a good starting … MORE
Flat, scenic course through downtown. There are lots of turns at the beginning of the race and it is very crowded. So, it is important to get a good starting position. The first wave needed to be organized better; there seemed to be a very wide range of runners with paces ranging from sub 6:00/mile to 8:30+. I was in the first wave and it took me 3-4 miles before I had enough space to run consistently at my target pace. The bag drop-off & pick-up wait times were ridiculous – 20+ minutes before the race and 40+ minutes after (in cold, windy conditions).
Flat scenic course
The course starts and ends around the Washington Monument. I found it very crowded for the first few miles even though I started in the first wave. There are several … MORE
The course starts and ends around the Washington Monument. I found it very crowded for the first few miles even though I started in the first wave. There are several hairpin turns which also slowed things down. The course is flat so I was still able to set a PR. It was a scenic course, but unfortunately, the cherry blossoms had their peak bloom a week before the race.
Great Race with Great Views
Very nice staff that were super helpful/organized. Fun course with great views of the capital/monuments. Good time of the year and this had perfect weather. MORE
Very nice staff that were super helpful/organized.
Fun course with great views of the capital/monuments.
Good time of the year and this had perfect weather.