12 February 2019

Media Contact Information:
(not for publication)

Keith Peters, Media Coordinator
307-690-6803 or [email protected]

Website: www.cherryblossom.org

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run On Track To Top $9 Million Dollars Raised for Children's Miracle Network Since 2002

Charity Race Participant Entries available until February 15

February 12, 2019, Washington, DC: Back in 2002, when Credit Union Miracle Day (CUMD) became the title sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk, one of the primary goals for the event was to enhance the funds raised for Children's Miracle Network (CMN) through the Credit Unions for Kids program, which already had made the credit union movement one of the largest fundraisers for CMN. The race has been a highly successful addition and in the 18th year of CUMD sponsorship the total funds raised for CMN is closing in on $9 million dollars.

CUMD Chair Theresa Mann said: "Raising funds to help treat sick children across the country is a natural fit for credit unions that strive to give back to their local communities. We are tremendously excited to be reaching $9 million dollars in total funds raised with this year's race. What better way for credit unions to show their commitment to the communities they serve."

Individual runners can still do their part by raising at least $500 for Children's Miracle Network prior to February 15, thus gaining guaranteed entry into this year's event which sold out in December and will take place on April 7. Individuals can raise the funds on their own or by gathering donations from family members and friends.

"Charity entries represent a great opportunity to support the ground-breaking medical research and world-class medical services provided by the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the county, and earn a spot on the starting line," said Event Director Phil Stewart. "All funds raised go to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in the community of each individual fundraiser. I am confident that with the combined support of the sponsoring credit unions and individual fundraisers we will push well beyond the $9 million dollar total this year."

Full details about the Charity Race Entry Participant process are available here. Please note: In addition to the fundraising requirement, Charity Race Entry Participants will be responsible for paying the prevailing race registration fee.

Please note: The opportunity to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is not limited to individuals seeking guaranteed entry into the race. Confirmed entrants in the 2019 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk are encouraged to fundraise on behalf of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals as well. Registration for the fundraising effort can be completed here, and registered runner fundraising is open until April 30.

About the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile, organized by Cherry Blossom, Inc., a 501c(3) chapter of the Road Runners Club of America, 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 the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a consortium of 170 premier children's hospitals across North America. About one-third of the funds raised support Washington, DC's own Children's National ("Children's Hospital"). The event also funds two $5,000 Road Runners Club of America "Roads Scholar" grants designed to support up-and-coming U.S. distance running talent.

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., a consortium of credit unions and credit union suppliers in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group and PSCU, is the title sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, 5K Run-Walk and Kids' Run. Other sponsors include Garmin, the presenting technology sponsor, and supporting sponsors E-Trade, Gatorade, Gold's Gym, Honey Stinger, Mamma Lucia, MedStar Sports Medicine, Navy Federal Credit Union, Potomac River Running, Under Armour and UPS.

The event is a proud member of the PRRO Circuit (PRRO.org), a series of non-marathon prize money road races in Tampa, FL; Washington, DC; Spokane, WA; and Utica, NY. The circuit is committed to a drug-free sport and funds drug testing at all circuit events in compliance with the standards of international and U.S. drug testing authorities.

In addition to being sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the Road Runners Club of America, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run has earned Gold Level Inspire Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport in recognition of its legacy of commitment to sustainability and thoughtful resource management. To learn more, visit www.CherryBlossom.org and follow the event on social media @CUCB and #CUCB2019.

About Credit Union Miracle Day:

Credit Union Miracle Day is a partnership of over 100 credit unions, CUSOs and partner organizations united to sponsor the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run promoting awareness of the credit union difference and benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide.

About America's Credit Unions:

Credit unions provide consumers choices for financial services such as checking accounts, investments and loans of all kinds including mortgages. Funds are federally insured, but unlike banks, there are no stockholders at credit unions. Earnings are returned to member-owners in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates, low or no-fee products and services. The credit union philosophy of placing members' needs first is why more than 115 million Americans do their banking at one of America's 5,700 credit unions. Credit unions are for everyone - no matter where you live, there is a credit union to meet your needs.