Of the 7,000 runners who participated in the first-ever Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, more than half were members of a credit union, representing nearly 700 credit unions from across the U.S. and Canada, according to organizers of the race.
Rueben Cheruiyot of Kenya won the men's race in 47 minutes 13 seconds, ahead of defending champion John Korir, who was second in 47:18. Romanian Luminita Talpos and Teyba Erkasso of Ethiopia battled throughout the women's race before Talpos pulled away in the final mile to win in 52:50. Cheruiyot and Talpos each won $5,000.
A total of 58 credit unions and affiliated organizations joined together to host the 2002 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run, which benefited the Children's Miracle Network (CMN). More than $65,000 was raised for CMN. While this was the 30th running of the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, it was the first year credit unions sponsored the high profile event.
"Credit Unions were proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor this event and raise money for the Children's Miracle Network, while increasing awareness of credit unions," said Bill Brooks, chairman of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. and CEO of Lafayette FCU.
Twenty-two teams representing 85 runners participated in the credit union team competition, called the Credit Union Challenge. These teams competed for the "Credit Union Cup," a perpetual trophy donated by Northwest FCU. Public Health Services FCU won the Credit Union Challenge and will be awarded the Credit Union Cup. PHSFCU's team, called Creditors Predators, finished with a total team time of 3 hours, 19 minutes and 44 seconds-more than 35 minutes ahead of the second place credit union team.
In addition, more than 20 local credit unions provided more than 350 volunteers to help out the day of the event. The credit union volunteers acted as course marshals, water stop volunteers, and start and finish line volunteers.
To view the results of the Credit Union Challenge Division go to: www.cherryblossom.org.
