WASHINGTON–Credit union-supported races on both coasts drew strong crowds and thousands of participants for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run and the SacTown Run, respectively.
Tsegay Kidanu wins men's division in Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run.
In Washington, despite the cool temperatures and windy conditions, approximately 16,000 runners turned out for the 50th edition of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run.
The high-profile event in Washington, which takes place among the capital’s many monuments and which attracts numerous teams from congressional offices, has raised more than $10 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals since aligning with the charity.
Under even more blustery conditions, approximately 6,000 ran the companion 5-K that took place on Saturday. The kids run was cancelled due to the weather conditions.
Former Champions on Hand
Several former race champions were on hand to celebrate the 50th edition of the race, including Kathrine Switzer (1973), Greg Meyer (1983), Eleanor Simonsick (1982 and 1983), and Bill Rodgers (1978 through 1981).
Sarah Chelangat, winner of the women's division of the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run.
On Sunday, the Ten Mile again used a wave start, with five waves of approximately 3,500 runners each starting in three to five minute intervals. The Elite Women's Start kicked off at 7:18 a.m., followed by the Elite Men and the Ten Mile Start at 7:30 a.m.
The women’s race was won by Sarah Chelangat, 21, of Uganda (52:04), while Tsegay Kidanu, 21, of Ethiopia won the men’s race with a course record at 46:08. In addition, Olympic steeplechaser Hillary Bor won the men’s division of the USATF 10 Mile Championships and claimed a $50,000 bonus for breaking Greg Meyer’s 40-year-old national record by two seconds. Including his prize money, Bor collected a total of $59,000.
NAFCU Provides Support
“NAFCU is honored to continue our partnership with this remarkable event that helps children’s hospitals across the country receive much-needed resources and support," said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. "The mission behind the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run is a perfect illustration of the dedication and compassion credit unions have for their members and the greater communities they serve. We are inspired by the participating credit unions, runners, and volunteers who came together in support of our nation’s children.”
Health & Wellness Expo ahead of the event, a Health and Wellness Expo and other related events wer held at the National Building Museum.
Event held at National Building Museum ahead of Cherry Blossom race.
Racing in California
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run has raised more than $10.2 million for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, including $323,000 in 2022.
Meanwhile, across the country in Sacramento, Calif. the Credit Union SacTown Run took place along the streets of the state’s capital. The race also included a 10-mile event and a separate 5k run, with prize money available for participants in USAFT Masters National Championship, Pacific Association and 10-Mile Championship categories.
Brenden Gregg won the 10-mile race in the men’s division with a time of 47:52. Julie Vasquez won the women’s division with a time of 55:58.
Patella CU's team at SacTown run. Photo from Twitter.
Additional photos from event at National Building Museum are shown below.
