WASHINGTON-More than 15,000 runners participated in the 41st running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run here among the capital's monuments and blooming cherry trees. There was an especially tight finish in the men's race, with Kenyan Daniel Salel (46:06.0) finishing just a fraction ahead of Kenyan Allan Kiprono (46:06.50). Caroline Rotich (52.46) won the women's race, while Janet Bawcom, who finished fourth overall, set a new U.S. record in the 10 mile run by finishing in 53:28 (and winning $9,000).
The Cherry Blossom Race helped raise $483,000 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, bringing the 12-year total to more than $6 million. The race is sponsored by Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., and is the highest-profile credit union-sponsored event in Washington. Some 161 members of Congress from 39 states and territories were honorary race chairs, and more than 800 congressional staff members participated in the race itself.
In conjunction with the Cherry Blossom run, three other events were also held: the Credit Union SacTown Ten-Mile Run in Sacramento, Calif.; and Freedom Ten Mile Runs at the Army Garrison in Wiesbaden, Germany (sponsored by Andrews FCU), and at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait (sponsored by the Defense Credit Union Council).
