28 July 2020
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Keith Peters, Media Coordinator
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2020 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run Results Uploaded to All-time Searchable Database
2021 T-shirt Design Contest Closes July 31
July 28, 2020, Washington, DC: Race organizers announced today that the All-time Searchable Database (ATSD) of Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run results has been updated to include the accomplishments of the 2,298 runners who recently completed the virtual Ten Mile Run or 5K Run-Walk, which took the place of the cancelled live event this year. The ATSD, which allows participants to view their entire competitive history in the Runner's Rite of Spring�, can be accessed here.
According to Event Director Phil Stewart, "The All-time Searchable Database contains an astonishing amount of history about each and every finisher extending all the way back to 1973 when only 129 individuals completed the event. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom is one of the few races which have been around for 40-plus years to provide complete, searchable finisher data and individual graphics depicting trends."
Among the unique features of the ATSD is the ability to browse the list of top finishers (runners who have amassed the most total miles since the inaugural race in 1973) as well as the list of runners with the highest number of consecutive finishes. After this year's virtual run, Bennett Beach, 70, from Bethesda, Maryland, maintained his lead atop both leaderboards with his perfect record of 48 finishes and 480 miles run. To date, the 100 Mile Club has 1,921 members (171 new members this year) and they have racked up a total of 258,597 miles over the years.
Two items of note regarding 100 Mile Club membership and/or consecutive completion streaks: 1) mileage accrued via the 2020 Virtual Runs counts towards membership in the 100 Mile Club, and 2) participation in the 2020 Virtual Runs was not required to keep consecutive completion streaks alive. Members of the 100 Mile Club will be eligible for a guaranteed entry into next year's race, set for April 11, 2021. (The 100 miles required for entry into the 100 Mile Club do not need to be consecutive and can consist of any combination of finishes in the 10-mile and 5K events that total 100 miles or more.)
In addition to announcing the updates to the ATSD, race organizers issued a reminder today that the deadline for submitting designs for the 2021 race t-shirt is July 31, 2020. Details about the t-shirt design contest can be found here. The winning adult artist will receive a $1,000 prize and travel expense reimbursement for the Fall Kick Off and the 2021 race weekend. The design contest for the Kids Run t-shirt for artists ages 10-and-under opens in September.
The 2020 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Runs marked the 19th year of title sponsorship by Credit Union Miracle Day. Since 2002, over $10 million has been raised for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals including $440,000 this year. Of that $440,000, $66,000 came from runners donating their entry fees instead of asking for a refund when race weekend in our Nation's Capital was wiped out by Covid-19.
The 2020 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Runs marked the 19th year of title sponsorship by Credit Union Miracle Day. Since 2002, over $10 million has been raised for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals including $440,000 this year. Of that $440,000, $66,000 came from runners donating their entry fees instead of asking for a refund when race weekend in our Nation's Capital was wiped out by Covid-19.
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.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run is also part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, "America's Greatest Springtime Celebration."
Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., a consortium of credit unions and credit union suppliers in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, PCSU and CO-OP Financial Services, is the title sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, 5K Run-Walk and Kids' Run. Presenting sponsors include ASICS, the official shoe and apparel sponsor; Garmin, the presenting technology sponsor; Gold's Gym, presenting sponsor of the race pace groups; and Med Star Health, presenting sponsor of the Fall Kickoff Reception. Supporting sponsors include E-Trade, Gatorade, Honey Stinger, Mamma Lucia, Potomac River Running, Suburban Solutions and UPS.
The event is a proud member of the PRRO Circuit (PRRO.org), a series of major 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 follow the event on social media @CUCB and #CUCB2020.
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 5,500 credit unions. Credit unions are for everyone - no matter where you live, there is a credit union to meet your needs.