Jummy at the finish line of the 2014 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run
Does Jummy look familiar to you? If so, you probably recognize her from Good Morning Washington or ABC7 News at Noon. Jummy and I have been twitter friends for a while and have run many of the same races. We even passed each other on the course of the Army Ten Miler in 2014! We finally met in person at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile run kickoff party last November.
When did you begin running and why? I began running in October of 2013 when I became involved with Girls on the Run (GOTR) through work. My station, ABC7, partnered with GOTR Nova on some events and I was so inspired by all of the young girls. They made me decide to take running more seriously.
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest moment has to be finishing my first half marathon, the Nike Women’s DC Half Marathon, in April of 2014. It was just 5 days after my 30th birthday.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I ran it in 2014 for the first time! It was awesome!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I’m running to participate in, what I believe is, one of the best races in our nation’s capital. I am a spring baby and to me there is nothing better than running along the beautiful cherry blossoms. It represents a feeling of new beginnings and a fresh start!
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To beat my 2014 time by 10 minutes!
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My pace, my race! I don’t like to get caught up in how many people finish ahead of me, or even behind me. My goal is always to cross that line and accomplish what I started.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? “GOAL-DIGGING”
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I’m loving the New Balance Impact Hoodie. It’s the perfect piece to start the race with…mornings tend to be cold in early April.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? Its partner hospitals provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the country! That’s awesome, what a great organization to support!
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
Did you know we’ll be running with royalty on April 12, 2015? Rainey Sewell, the reigning Cherry Blossom Queen, will be racing the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run with us!To check out the official cherry blossom events hosted by the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS), and see what all of the Cherry Blossom Princesses will be up to, like their Facebook page and follow their Instagram. You will get updates on anything and everything Cherry Blossom as well as see behind the scenes snapshots of what the Cherry Blossom Princesses and Rainey will be up to!
Rainey Sewell, in her official Cherry Blossom Queen Regalia
What are your responsibilities as the reigning Cherry Blossom Queen? My main responsibility is to host the Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen and represent America’s friendship with Japan. I had an amazing time in Tokyo because of their Queen’s hospitality. Now it is my turn to host and show off America’s nation. We will be visiting embassies, attending the White House Easter Egg Roll, speaking at many events, and enjoying the D.C. sights.
Is it challenging to juggle running with your royal responsibilities?
It can be difficult because once I’m all dressed up for an event I don’t want to get sweaty afterwards!
When did you begin running and why? I started running three years ago when I trained for my first race – the Oklahoma City Memorial half marathon. My friends were all training for it and I figured I would join the fun. Now I’m hooked and plan to run the full marathon there at the end of the month.
What is your weirdest/funniest running moment? My coworker and I once got to a 5K thinking we were twenty minutes early, but it turns out we were ten minutes late. The funny part was it took us five minutes to realize no one else was there and that it started without us.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I ran it last year for the first time and it brought me some cherry blossom luck because I won Queen later that week.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Spring is finally here and it is time to enjoy the weather. This is the time to enjoy D.C. and forget all the bad things we said about the city during the long winter.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Have fun and enjoy it.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Just finish. Brunch is waiting.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Energy
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I love their running shoes. I always buy pink shoes so I’m already ready to match the cherry blossoms that will be blooming during the ten mile run.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? My favorite part of CMN is how they really are “for the kids.” You don’t even feel like you’re in a hospital because there are so many colors and fun toys around you. The one in Oklahoma looks like an art museum with all the artwork and sculptures. Making the kids comfortable is the most important and CMN does a great job at that.
Jen finishing “Run With Santa,” her 11th 5k for 2014
Jen and I met during Potomac River Running 101 training in 2013. She ran her first race ever just days after I met her. She was nervous but determined. Then, in 2014 she set a goal to race 40k before she turned 40. She met and exceeded that goal, and in 2015 she has her mind set on conquering new distances – ten miles under the Cherry Blossoms (and I predict a half marathon won’t be far behind)!
When did you begin running and why? I began running in the summer of 2013. I started earlier in the year with walking/hiking on the Reston trails, trying to be more active. It was a natural (and a very surprising!) evolution.
What is your proudest running moment? The proudest is probably when I finished my very first race – the 2013 Dulles Day 5k: On the Runway. I was scared to death for days leading up to the event and kept doubting my ability. The second proudest was the 2014 =PR= Birthday Bash. It was hot, humid and the most miserable I’ve ever been while running. I came in dead last, but I never gave up! Can I have a third? Actually, this ties with first place for my proudest moment. I set a goal for 2014 to run 40k by 40 – eight races by August. I completed that goal a month early and surpassed it with a total of 11 5k races for the year.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? =PR= is awesome! The coaches’ passion for running is contagious. And skipping the lottery is certainly a bonus.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? Nope.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Who wouldn’t want to run on such a beautiful course? This race will take me to the next level in my training and running it will be an incredible reward for all the hard work leading up to it.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To finish strong while enjoying every single step.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Don’t trip. 🙂 You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. I came across this quote at the beginning of my journey and it fit perfectly. It’s stuck with me and is the perfect reminder that I am great!
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Awakening
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? =PR= training participants received $50 New Balance gift certificates, and I’ve got my eye on the Glow Beacon Jacket.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? I had no idea that 1 in 10 kids are helped each year. That’s a lot of healing, good job Children’s Miracle Network!
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
Rob ran another 10 mile spring race in 2014: the Reston 10-miler
Rob and I met during Potomac River Running Distance Training in 2014. Rob was training for the Marine Corps Marathon while I was training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. Watching Rob run the MCM was inspirational. He showed true commitment and perseverance. And wouldn’t you know it – he ended up running the Philly Half, too!
When did you begin running and why? I started running a little during my high school years. I trained for a few local 5Ks but that was really the extent of it. I then totally stopped running through college. I started gaining weight, and eventually got pretty out of shape. I couldn’t run one lap on the track without walking and wanted to change that. So I started running regularly, both as a way to get healthier and to have fun training & competing in local running events. I also set a goal at this time (mid 2012) to run a marathon within 1-2 years.
What is your proudest running moment? By far it was completing my first marathon, the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon. It’s not just one of my proudest running moments, but also one of my proudest life achievements. Training for and running a successful marathon requires hard work, dedicated training and commitment. Not many people can say they’ve run a marathon. The marathon experience is unlike any other, it’s a huge challenge both mentally and physically, the rewarding feeling of accomplishment after you complete it is indescribable.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? The premium Cherry Blossom training program at =PR= running offered guaranteed entry into the race, which made signing up a no brainer for me. I didn’t win a spot in the lottery, so I was looking for another way into the race. I’ve trained with =PR= before for both of my marathons. =PR= Training is a great way to build some structure into your running life, meet new friends, learn running tips from others and really just become a better runner overall.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I have not run it before.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I think the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is one of the trademark races not only in the DC area but in the entire country each year. It attracts runners from all over the world. I’ve never run it before, so I am definitely looking forward to experiencing the race firsthand. I’ve run most of the course before during the Marine Corps Marathon or in training (I’m local to the DC area) so it should be awesome running a familiar route with all the crowd support and beautiful scenery in DC.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? It’s hard to have a strict time goal in a race this big; sometimes you can get caught up in a big crowd and end up running off your goal pace. My main goal will be to complete the race successfully and healthy. My time goal which I’ll train for will be around a 1:15 but who knows, if my training goes better I might end up shooting for a faster time.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My running mantra is “Just run.” I’ve never regretted going on a run. Rolling out of bed extra early in the morning can be so difficult, but I’m always so glad I did it afterwards. Same with signing up for a race that might scare you; I ran my first half marathon in 2013 and I was so nervous for the training and didn’t know if I could do it. If you take small enough steps and do the training properly, it’s really quite simple as long as you keep reminding yourself to “just run.”
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Determination
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I’ve used New Balance shoes in the past and have always had a good experience. I go through a number of pairs of running shoes every year and will probably look into getting another pair of 1080v4’s. They’re a fairly neutral lightweight shoe which seems to work for me very well.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That they have raised over $5 billion over the course of their history (since 1983). That’s a very impressive accomplishment for a great cause. It’s great to see quality organizations like them sponsor and partner up with runners/running events.
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
After this race, Marsden noted that it turned out there was neither beer, nor was he almost there
I started following the mysterious Running Lonely on twitter last year when we were both training for the 2014 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. His self-deprecating tweets and blog posts intrigued me. Since then, “Running Lonely” has revealed that his name is Marsden, shared a selfie, and introduced us to the adventures of his friend, the solar-powered pig.
When did you begin running and why? I started running in junior high because they made me. However, I kept running because it never ceases to challenge me (which is a polite way of saying running keeps kicking my butt, but I keep running anyway).
What is your weirdest/funniest running moment? Almost all my running moments qualify, but when I dropped my keys at the start of the Houston Symphony 10K the sight of three thousand runners coming at me as I went back and picked up my keys is pretty funny; well it’s funny two decades later. It helps that I was so mortified that I ran away as fast as I could and set a personal best in the 10K that day.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? Yes, I ran it in 2014 and I used it as a springboard to my first marathon, first ultra, and by the end of the year, my first 24 hour race.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? The race is the unofficial start to spring for me and it’s great to go out and run and put winter in the rear view mirror.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To knock 5 minutes off my time from last year. I can’t believe I just said that on a blog that people actually read.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? “Please don’t die.” When you get to be my age, you will understand what it means.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Complicated.
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I use the New Balance 624 for cross training, to wear with jeans, and when my boss is out of the office, as dress shoes.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That for the price of my morning latte, a donation can provide one baby blanket in the NeoNatal and Infant Critical care unit.
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
Molly, in blue, embodies the “community” spirit of running – even in her race pictures!
I met Molly through the Women’s Training Program, a running/walking program coached by women, for women. Molly is the director of this amazing program and she has inspired and motivated countless women, including me! If she had a motto, it could be “no woman is left behind” – she makes sure everyone feels welcome and has someone to run or walk with, no matter their pace.
When did you begin running and why? In 2002, shortly after I completed cancer treatment, my brother Brian was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was a marathon runner, and due to his illness, he couldn’t run his annual 26.2. My sister suggested we run it for him. To humor her, and thinking it was a plan we would never execute, I said “Sure!” Then we discovered the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and realized we could raise money toward curing Brian’s disease while achieving our/his marathon goal. There was no backing out after learning that!
What is your proudest running moment? Crossing the finish line of the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon was exhilarating. Brian told us to hold a little back so we could finish strong and I think I did him proud. I actually passed people! And how many people start their racing career with a marathon? But my proudest moment came when heading back to the metro afterward. A participant was walking in front of me with her shoe untied. Not only was I able to bend over to tie it for her, I stood up again with no help! 26.2 and still moving!
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? 2015 will be my first Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. I hope it won’t be my last!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Running through Washington DC is a thrill no matter what time of year. Running through Washington DC with 15,000 fellow running enthusiasts under the cover of fluffy pink clouds must pretty close to heaven. The race is so well known and well-loved that it was on my “must do” list
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I am not fast enough to win, so my race goals are always the same. Have fun and finish strong. I would love to finish the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in 1:50 or less with at least one person behind me and a smile on my face.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? I don’t really have a running mantra, but I keep an internal conversation going with myself most of the time. Take it out slow. Breathe. You can do this. I thank the race volunteers and cheer on anyone having a tough time. I ask volunteers if they think I will win. Their reactions are priceless. I high-five anyone who offers their hand and laugh with the people holding the best signs. It keeps me going until the finish line.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Community. I participate in twice-weekly group runs from Potomac River Running in Reston. On the weekends, I run with a Reston Runners group we call the BFFs for Best Foot Forward. And in the spring, I coach the Reston Runners Women’s Training Program. So yes, community sums up running to me. There is nothing more affirming than running with people who accept you, support you and push you when you need it.
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I have been admiring the Bright Cherry Impact Capri. Cherry Blossom race. “Cherry” capri. I think it works!
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? I love the fact that many colleges use dance marathons to raise funds. Lots of funds. Indiana University’s Dance Marathon brought in over $2.6M in 2013. That’s a lot of boogie woogie!
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
What’s up with this weather, huh? Not very conducive to outdoor training! Good news – I’ve got a great way for y’all to keep up your cardio without stomping through the snow and ice: spinning!
Give a miracle!
So, here’s the exciting news: I’ve teamed with Biker Barre to host a Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run Charity Ride! With a $14 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (classes at Biker Barre are normally $22 per class!) you will get a seat in the class, a 2015 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race t-shirt, a great cross training workout, and best of all, you’ll sweat for a great cause!
Spinning is a wonderful cross training workout, whether you’re training for your next race, or recovering from one.
Spinning adds variety to your workouts.
Spinning is low impact and will give your joints a break.
Spinning will help you strengthen muscles that you don’t use as much when you’re running.
I started spinning as a way to maintain my cardio after developing an injury from my first marathon. Spinning was a welcomed change – and it only took a few weeks before I learned to love it. Three years later, I’m an avid spinner and instructor, sharing my love for the bike at a local studio in Capitol Hill: Biker Barre.
The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit international organization that helps to treat millions of children across the U.S. and Canada. Every dollar that you donate will support research and training, and will pay for uncompensated care that saves and improves the lives of as many children as possible.
You want in? Great! Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, March 7th
Time: 1PM-1:45PM
Where: Biker Barre: 738 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 (The closest metro stop is Eastern Market Metro. There is also street parking available.)
How to reserve a spot in the class: The only way to reserve a spot is to email info@bikerbarre.com with the subject line ‘Cherry Blossom Run Charity Ride” and tell them you would like to reserve a bike with Lauren R. They will send you an email confirmation of your reservation, as well as a link back to this site so you can donate. Please make sure to email info@bikerbarre.com BEFORE donating to ensure you get a spot in the class.
More details about the ride:
Never been to Biker Barre? That’s ok! The only thing we will need from you is to sign our liability waiver. You can do this ahead of time by creating an account online here and click on the ‘sign-up’ link at the top of the page (you do not need to sign up for a class, just create an account.) Every rider must sign this waiver.
Already been to Biker Barre? You’re all set 🙂
Arrival Time: Plan to arrive fifteen minutes before the class. You will need time to sign in and set up your bikes.
What to Bring: Just bring water – we’ve got the towels for during and after class!
What to Wear: Wear comfortable workout clothes. Try to avoid pants that are too loose and flowy. Normal workout-appropriate sneakers will work just fine.
To Donate: Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the “Support Me” button on the top of this page.
Lauren is a midwesterner-turned-DC-transplant who still geeks out every time she runs down The National Mall. She is happiest with her camera in hand and loves to cook up delicious recipes for her food blog, Just a Pinch (www.justapinchblog.com). When not crunching numbers as a non-profit financial analyst, Lauren is teaching spinning, running the streets of Capitol Hill with her lab, Gus, or continuing her studies towards becoming a Registered Dietitian. This will be her third Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run and she’s got her eyes on a PR! Follow her adventures on Twitter + Instagram.
The dress code at my office is usually “business casual,” but some Fridays we have a “Jeans Day” where we can wear jeans to support a charity. This week I am sponsoring Jeans Day and accepting donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through my Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run donations page.
Making a $5 donation for the simple pleasure of wearing jeans to work can help defray costs like these:
$0.42 for one Wee Pee sized diaper, for neonates weighing less than 800 grams. ($150.48/1 case, case=360 diapers)
$0.50 for one Preemie sized diaper, for neonates weighing up to 4 pounds.
$1.08 for one Size 1 blood pressurecuff for the smallest children.
$4.00 for one baby blanket in the Neonatal and Infant Critical Care Unit.
That’s right, one $5 donation can cover 10 Preemie sized diapers! And when it’s this cold outside, who can resist making a donation that would cover the cost of a baby blanket?
If you are allowed to wear jeans to work on Friday (or if you work at home and set your own dress code!), I’d love it if you would join my Jeans Day and support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through my donations page here. If you can’t wear jeans but still want to participate, you could wear cherry blossom pink instead.
If you have a friend who has entered the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run as a charity participant you can look up their donation page here. This Saturday, February 28, is the deadline for reaching the minimum fundraising goal, so your donation now could really make a difference!
I’m challenging my fellow Credit Union Cherry Blossom Social Runners and Bloggers to make a donation through their own pages if they can wear jeans to work on Friday. 😉
I hope you are enjoying a happy holiday season and getting ready to celebrate the New Year with family and friends. Before 2014 gets away, I want to give you five reasons to spread the holiday cheer by supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run! (Click Here To Donate!)
1. You did not get picked in the lottery, so you have decided to be a Charity Race Entry Participant. If Santa put a little cash in your stocking, why not put some of it towards your $500 fundraising goal? (Find out how to register as a Charity Race Entry Participant here).
2. You did get picked in the lottery, but your BRF (best running friend) didn’t. Spread your Cherry Blossom joy by donating to their fundraising page so you can run together in April! (You can look up your friend’s donation page here.)
3. There is a child in your life who is healthy and you want to express your gratitude for that blessing by supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat over 10 million children annually across the U.S., providing state-of-the-art care‚ cutting edge research and preventative health education. (You can make a general donation here.)
4. There is a child in your life who has been treated at a CMN Hospital, and you want to pay it forward so others can receive that same level of care. It’s never a good time to have a sick child, but it can seem even harder around the holidays, which should be filled with joy and wonder, not illness and worry. But when your child does need medical attention, it is comforting to know that you can get the best available care for every disease and injury imaginable at a nearby CMN Hospital. (You can make a donation to your CMN Hospital here.)
5. You don’t know anything about the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, but you could use another tax deduction for 2014. (You can donate through my donations page here.) 🙂
P.S. If your New Year’s resolutions include getting back in shape, the New Balance/PR Training program is a great way to get the motivation, encouragement and accountability you need to reach your goals. (You can find out more about the training programs here.)
So, you didn’t get selected for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run or 5k. You might have really had your heart set on it, but it’s time to come up with a contingency plan.
I have a couple of suggestions that might help soothe the sting of lottery loss, depending on your running schedule and interests.
Volunteer Entries
If you have a back up race, but want to run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run someday, we would love to have you join us in 2015 as a race day volunteer! Volunteers get a cotton long sleeve tee with this year’s winning race design, a guaranteed race entry for 2016 (at prevailing entry fees), and great running karma!
I missed out on the lottery for the 2010 race so I volunteered as a course marshal for a guaranteed 2011 entry. My job was to protect the giant, expensive clock at Mile 9, and make sure runners weren’t getting too far off course. My role let me see every single person who finished the race – starting with being awestruck by the elite athletes, clapping and shouting for the age groupers, cheering for the middle of the pack, and shouting encouragement for the folks beating the sweeper bus. I’ll never forget how fast the elite athletes seemed when they were zooming right past me, and how great it felt to push the runners who needed a boost at the end of Hains Point.
There are tons of other race day volunteer roles, too, you can visit the volunteer sign-up page to choose one you think you’d like. Bring friends to keep you company – all of the guaranteed entries are transferable so non-runners can get good karma on race day too!
Charity Entries
If you really want to run the 2015 race, we also offer charity race bibs to runners who fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. You can register as a charity runner and earn a bib for the 2015 race by raising $500 no later than February 28, 2015. You could be training for something bigger than your next PR – your fundraising efforts help treat children regardless of ability to pay. You can even get a whole fundraising team involved to support each other’s efforts! Remember to read through all of the registration instructions – you have to register as a race entry fundraiser to be eligible, and after you raise the $500 there will still be a registration process for the race that you will receive via email.
Bib Transfers
Finally, if you can’t wait until 2016 but you don’t really have a knack for fundraising, we offer a bib transfer process during the month of February. You post what you’re looking for on our forum and hope that someone with a bib they can no longer use is willing to make the transfer. Note: this is the only sanctioned way for one runner to get another runner’s bib. It’s very important that we have accurate information about who is running the race, and the only way to update that information is to use the bib transfer process in February. You can transfer your bib to someone you know and skip the forum arrangements, but for everyone’s safety we do need to be strict about updating bib and runner info through the official process.
I hope to see you at the finish line this year or next – I know you’ll enjoy the race whichever year you join us!
Kim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.
