Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Washington Monument Grounds
Washington, DC
7:18 A.M. - Elite Women's Start
7:30 A.M. - Ten Mile Start
Race Registration
The field will be filled slightly differently this year, as when the race was cancelled in 2020, 12,000 registered runners opted to defer their entry and get a Guaranteed Entry in 2021 rather than taking a refund. These runners will receive a Guaranteed Entry Link that will enable them to register for this year's race and pay the entry fee starting on June 1, 2021. IMPORTANT NOTE: Runners with a guaranteed entry from the cancelled 2020 events will be offered a choice of race dates: September 12, 2021, or April 3, 2022, which will celebrate the 48th running of the Runner’s Rite of Spring® in our nation’s capital. Click Here for full details on how to use your guaranteed entry, either for 2021 or 2022.
The rest of the field will be filled by Lottery. The lottery will also open on June 1, 2021 and run through 11:59 PM on June 13. Click Here for full details on the lottery, and for other methods of entering the race. Click Here for our Cancellation Policy, in case the race has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 after registration has begun.
Virtual Run Registration
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom will also have a Virtual Run this year! The event has become known as the "Runner's Rite of Spring," and we don't want to have our runners miss out on running among the cherry blossoms at their peak. The Virtual Run will be held from March 20 - April 11. We hope that many of our runners will participate in the Virtual Run, and then come back to join us in person to enjoy the "Runner's Delight of Fall" on Sept. 12. Virtual Run registration opens on January 18, 2021. Click Here for full details on the Virtual Run.
Wave Start
Assuming COVID-19 restrictions allow for it, the Ten Mile will use a wave start again this year. Runners will be assigned to a color-coded starting corral based on previous race times. Colors on bib numbers will match starting corrals. There will be six waves of approximately 2,500 runners each. The waves will start in 3-5 minute intervals. Runners outside the top 25 males and females will be scored on net times. Click Here for details on the wave start.
Maps
Click Here for the 10 Mile Course Map and Staging Area Maps. Note: These maps are from 2019. The course and staging area are expected to be similar in 2021, but construction in the DC area may necessitate changes in the layout for 2021. Updated maps will be posted as soon as they can be finalized.
Seeding Times Required
In order to ensure a safe start in the 10 Mile, we will be lining up runners into six corrals based on previous race times. All entrants must provide a past 10-mile time (or a projected time based on a 10K time). If you have run the race in the last three years, we reserve the right to seed you based on the time(s) we have on file. Individuals not submitting a time will be placed in the slowest time group.
Wearing the MyLaps Bib Tag
Runners will be timed and scored using the MyLaps Bib Tag. There is a single Bib Tag adhered on the back of your bib number. Simply leave the Bib Tag where you find it — on the back of the bib. Do not remove it. The Bib Tags are single-use.
Time Limit
We can only keep the course open for a maximum of 2 hours and 20 minutes after the 7:30 A.M. start. If you cannot complete the course in under this time limit, switch to the 5K Run-Walk instead.
PRRO Championship Circuit
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run is a member of the 2021 Professional Road Running Organization circuit.
