FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for the In-Person Running on April 5 and April 6, 2025
The following are questions people often have about the Credit Union Cherry Blossom:
Questions on Registration and Lottery Notification:
How Do I Enter the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K or Kids’ Run?
How Can I Be Notified of the Opening of the 10 Mile Lottery?
How Can I Be Sure to Receive Your Emails?
What is a “Lottery Group”? Is This Different From a Team?
When is my credit card charged in the Lottery?
My credit card was stolen and I was issued a new credit card. How can I update the information so that I do not lose my registration?
My registration information (spelling of name, sex, address) is incorrect. How do I change that?
I just bettered the projected race time I submitted with my registration. How can I get my record updated?
T-Shirts and Medals
Can I change my t-shirt size?
Do all runners get medals?
I didn’t order a medal, can I get one?
Switch to 5K; Bib Transfers
How do I change to the 5K?
I was accepted in the lottery but cannot run in April. Can I get a refund?
Do I have to know a particular runner to transfer my bib?
How does the Transfer Process work?
Packet Pickup
Is there packet pick-up on race day?
Where and when is packet pick-up?
What if I cannot pick-up my packet?
Can I pick up multiple race packets?
Race Day
Does the 10-Mile race have a minimum age?
Does the 10-Mile race have a time limit?
When does my race begin to be timed?
Can I wear ear pods?
Can I wear a camelback?
Are strollers allowed on the course?
How often are there water stations?
Will Metro be running on race day?
Is there a spot to leave a bicycle?
Where does the race start?
What neighborhoods are within walking distance of the 10 Mile race start?
Will I be able to leave a bag near the race start and retrieve it later?
Why Does My GPS Not Match the Course Measurements?
Questions on Registration and Lottery Notification
Q: How Do I Enter the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K or Kids Run?
A: In-Person 10 Mile Run: The 10 Mile will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The field will be filled by lottery. Prospective entrants will be able to register for the lottery starting on Sunday, December 1, and extending through 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, December 15 on the event website, www.cherryblossom.org. When registering, prospective entrants will complete and submit the entire entry form including the credit card information. However, credit cards will not be charged unless the applicant is selected. The entry fees for 2025 have not yet been determined, but will be posted on the website when they become available. Any runner not accepted into the 10 Mile will be given an opportunity to enter the 5K a couple of days before 5K registration opens to the general public.
The Double Blossom: If you wish to enter BOTH races – the 5K on Saturday, April 5, and the 10 Mile on Sunday, April 6, you will need to enter the 10 Mile lottery and indicate that you wish to gain entry into BOTH races. You will then be entered into the lottery and if you are successful, you will be entered into each race at that time (and your credit card will be charged for both races, plus any ancillary items that you chose to purchase at the time of registration). If you are not successful in gaining entry into the lottery, your credit card will not be charged for either race. Any runner not accepted into the Double Blossom will be given an opportunity to enter the 5K a couple of days before 5K registration opens to the general public.
We will have a special “Double Blossom” medal, as well as separate 5K and 10 Mile medals available for purchase during the registration process.
In-Person 5K: The 5K will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Registration for those who wish to run only the 5K (not the Double Blossom) will be open – there will be no lottery. Registration for the 5K will open on Friday, December 20, 2024, and will remain open until the field limit of 7,000 participants is reached or until February 28, 2025, whichever comes first (the 5K race field has filled by mid-February the last two years, so we recommend entering early if you want to secure your spot).
In-Person Kids Run: Registration is required for the 2025 Kids Run, but it will be held on a first-come first-served basis and will open on January 6, 2025. The Kids Run is limited to 500 entrants.
Q: How Can I Be Notified of the Opening of the Lottery?
A: Click Here to Sign up for the 2025 Lottery Notification List
Q: How Can I Be Sure to Receive Your Emails?
Every year we receive emails and calls from a number of people indicating that they are not receiving the emails we send out regarding race information. Since most of our communication regarding the race is done by email, including the dissemination of lottery opening, race confirmation and instructions, we would like to be able to reach as many of you as possible. So if you have not been hearing from us, or if you recently joined our mailing list and want to make sure you do hear from us, please read the information below carefully:
1. Is It Being Treated As Spam?
The most likely reason for this is that your email program or ISP is filtering out our emails as spam. What to do?
Check your Junk or Spam folder for emails regarding the Credit Union Cherry Blossom.
Your email host may send the email to your Spam folder, or it may never deliver our emails at all. Add the following email addresses to your “white list” or “safe senders” list or however your particular email program allows you to indicate particular email addresses that you want to receive email from:
- cucbweb@cherryblossom.org
- info@cherryblossom.org
- lottery_results@cherryblossom.org
- registrationhelp@marathonguide.com
2. Did You Ever Request Removal?
It might be that at some point in the past you were receiving emails from us, but decided that you no longer wanted to hear from us. If at any time in the last 5 years you clicked the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of any email and requested removal, or if you sent us an email requesting removal, then you have been permanently removed from our database. We use Constant Contact for sending out most of our race emails, and they have very strict anti-spam rules. If you requested removal at any time, there is absolutely no way that we can add you back in. This can only be accomplished by you, the user. If you suspect that this might be the case with your email address, please Click Here to Sign up again.
3. Perhaps We Just Don’t Have Your Email Address.
If you think we don’t have your email address, don’t worry. Just Click Here to sign up. As long as our emails aren’t being filtered as spam (see #1 above), or you have never requested removal from our list (see #2 above), you should receive our future emails with no problem.
Q: What is a “Lottery Group”? Is This Different From a Team?
A: Lottery Groups: The lottery will be able to handle “Lottery Groups” of up to 10 people. This is designed to allow families and other groups either to get into the race or not get into the race as a “Lottery Group.” Each “Lottery Group” has exactly the same chance of getting in as each single individual. The first person in a “Lottery Group” will set up the group, give it a name and register himself or herself as the first member of the Lottery Group. When subsequent members go to register, they will be able to affiliate with that “lottery Group” by using a drop down menu on the registration form. Please note that no additional members can be added to a “Lottery Group” after the lottery period closes. The “Lottery Groups” exist only for purposes of entering the lottery. Once the lottery is held, the “Lottery Groups” are disbanded.
Once the lottery is held and a Lottery Group is either all entered in the race or not entered into the race, the Lottery Groups dissolve and everyone runs their individual race. If your Group wants to enter into the Team Competition and compete as a Team, they must go through the team registration process, which willl open on February 1, 2025. Click Here for details on the Team Competition.
Q: When is my credit card charged in the Lottery?
A: We charge your credit card once you are accepted into the race via the lottery.
Q: My credit card was stolen and I was issued a new credit card. How can I update the information so that I do not lose my registration?
A: Contact registrationhelp@marathonguide.com and let them know that you need to update your credit card information.
Q: My registration information (spelling of name, sex, address) is incorrect. How do I change that?
A: Email info@cherryblossom.org with the correct information and we will make the change in the database.
Q: I just bettered the projected race time I submitted with my registration. How can I get my record updated?
A: Email info@cherryblossom.org with the new information and we will make the change.
T-Shirts and Medals
Q: Can I change my t-shirt size?
A: Yes, but only until 11:59 P.M. on February 28. After that you will have to wait until the Expo and go to the t-shirt exchange there. We can’t guarantee the size that you want will be available. but it is the best place to try.
A: No, our race does not have finisher medals. We want to keep our registration fee as low as possible, so we only offer medals to those who want them. Medals are available for purchase at registration and for a few weeks after registration ends. If we have leftover medals after the race, they are made available once again while supplies last.
Q: I didn’t order a medal, can I get one?
A: Yes, but only through 11:59 P.M. on February 28 (a link will be posted on the website after the lottery closes for those who wish to purchase additional items until February 28). After February 28, if we have unclaimed medals they will be offered for sale on the website after race day. No enhanced medals may be ordered after February 28, and none are available after race day.
Switch to 5K; Bib Transfers
A: After the 10 Mile Lottery is over, if you have been accepted into the 10 Mile but want to switch to the 5K, we will post a form for you to use to change your registration. Note: This option will only be available as long as the 7,000-runner field limit for the 5K has not been reached. Last year, the 5K field filled by mid-February, so be sure to act quickly if you decide you want to run the 5K instead of the 10 Mile. For full details on switching to the 5K, Click Here.
Q: I was accepted in the lottery but cannot run in April. Can I get a refund?
A: No, we do not offer refunds. However, you can transfer your entry in February during our Transfer Period. The runner who accepts your bib reimburses you for your registration expenses. The transfer process opens on February 1, 2025 and closes on February 28, 2025.
Q: Do I have to know a particular runner to transfer my bib?
A: No, you do not.
Q: How does the Transfer Process work?
A: The entire Transfer Process happens online. You can transfer your bib to a runner you know or post your bib availability on our website. The runner who accepts the bib reimburses the initial runner for his/her registration expenses. When you accept a bib you accept all the “add-ons” that the initial runner purchased. Click Here for Entry Transfer Information. No transfers will be permitted after 11:59 P.M., February 28, 2025.
Packet Pickup
Q: Is there 10 Mile packet pick-up on race day?
A: No, there is not.
Q: Where and when is packet pick-up?
A: Packet Pickup for the 10 Mile is at the National Building Museum on Friday, April 4 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Packet Pickup for the 5K is at the National Building Museum on Friday, April 4 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., and at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, April 5 from 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Double Blossom Packet Pickup – if you are running both races, you can either pick up both your 10 Mile and 5K bib and all t-shirts at packet pickup at the National Building Museum on Friday, April 4 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., or you can pick up your 10 Mile and 5K bib and your 5K t-shirt at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, April 6 from 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. If you choose to pick up your bib and 5K t-shirt on Saturday, April 5 at Freedom Plaza, you will have to go to the National Building Museum by 4:45 p.m. on Saturday after the 5K to collect your 10 Mile and Double Blossom t-shirts.
Q: What if I cannot pick up my packet?
A: You can have a friend get your packet. He/she will need a note from you (an email is fine) giving them permission to get your bib and shirt, and they should bring that note with them to packet pickup. Do not send the note to us here at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom; bring it with you to packet pickup.
Q: Can I pick up multiple race packets?
A: Yes, you can. You will need notes from each runner giving you permission to do so (see above).
Race Day
Q: Does the 10-Mile race have a minimum age?
A: No.
Q: Does the 10-Mile race have a time limit?
A: Yes. You must maintain a 14-minute-per-mile pace. If at the 5-mile mark you have not achieved that, you will be taken from the course. The National Park Service limits the time we can close the roads.
Q: When does my race begin to be timed?
A: Your race time begins when you cross the start line.
A: No, for safety reasons we request that runners do not so that they can be aware of all of their surroundings.
A: Yes, you may.
Q: Are strollers allowed on the course?
A: No strollers are allowed in the 10-mile race. In the 5K race, you can bring one but you must start in the back.
Q: How often are there water stations?
A: Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula are available in the staging area and on the course at aid stations located at 2.5, 4.25, 6, 7.75 and 8.85 miles. Water is also available at the finish. Medical services are available at all these locations as well.
Q: Will Metro be running on race day?
A: Metro will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, in time to take it to the 5K race start at Freedom Plaza. The closest stops to the 5K staging area on Freedom Plaza are Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue and Silver lines) and Federal Triangle (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines).
In 2024, Metro very generously opened service two hours early (at 5 a.m.) on 10 Mile race day, enabling runners to take Metro to the the 10 Mile race start on the Washington Monument Grounds. We do not yet know if Metro plans to do this again for the 2025 race (we hope so!), but we will post information here on that as soon as we hear details from Metrorail. The closest Metrorail Station to the start and finish lines is Smithsonian Station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Customers should also consider using Federal Triangle nearby, which is also on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, or L’Enfant Plaza on the Green and Yellow lines just a short walk away.
You will be able to use Metro for your return journey after both races.
Click Here for alternative transportation options.
Q: Is there a spot to leave a bicycle?
A: Two Wheel Valet will provide a FREE bike valet service at the Expo and on both race days.
Expo: Two Wheel Valet will be open from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4; and from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at the National Building Museum. The bike valet parking is located on the east lawn (4th St. side) of the National Building Museum.
5K: Two Wheel Valet will be at Freedom Plaza on 13th St. between E St. and Pennsylvania Ave. You may drop off your bike starting at 6:00 a.m. and you must retrieve it by 12:30 p.m.
10 Mile: Two Wheel Valet will be on the Washington Monument Grouns near the corner of 15th and Constitution Ave., NW. for the 10 Mile race on Sunday, April 6. You may drop off your bike starting at 6:00 a.m. and you must retrieve it by 12:00 noon.
You may NOT leave any belongings attached to your bike. If you want to leave any belongings, you will need to place them in the clear plastic bag you will be given at packet pickup and then take it to the bag check tent on race morning.
A: The 10 Mile starts on 15th Street between Constitution Ave. and Independence Ave. It is close to the Washington Monument. The 5K will start in Freedom Plaza (14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, adjacent to Pershing Park).
Q: What neighborhoods are within walking distance of the 10 Mile race start?
A: Downtown, Foggy Bottom, West End, Farragut Square, Dupont Circle and the eastern side of Georgetown.
Q: Will I be able to leave a bag near the 10 Mile race start and retrieve it later?
A: Yes, there will be a Bag Check tent on the Washington Monument Grounds for 10 Mile Bag Check, and a 5K Bag Check tent in Freedom Plaza for 5K runners. The clear bag you get at packet pick-up is the one you should use for all bag check.
Q: Why Does My GPS Not Match the Course Measurements?
A: Satellites are the cause for much of the error. GPS units calculate distance based on triangulation of readings taken from a series of fixed orbiting units, but the degree of accuracy depends on several factors.
GPS watches typically worn by runners can’t achieve the results obtained by survey- or military-grade units, which sometimes use two base units that can read the satellite signals at a higher degree of precision. Even the best commercially-available GPS unit is only accurate to about 12 feet at any given time, and can be hundreds of feet off in accuracy. Most units will indicate what their current accuracy is, and it can vary from 12 feet to 350 feet or more.
GPS units must have a clear view of at least three satellites to get a reading, and the more they can acquire, the more accurate they are. However, trees, buildings, and even a runner’s body can interrupt the signal, making it less accurate at any time.
Further, they only check their position periodically, not constantly. Some units check every second, some every 20 seconds. The user can sometimes set the unit to check at certain time or distance intervals, but if it has lost contact with the satellites, it can’t tell where it is, so it misses that checkpoint. So, if someone is running quickly, they may make a few turns while the unit doesn’t have contact, so that section will be measured incorrectly.
The other part of the equation is the way the runner ran the course versus the way it was measured. A certified course is measured along the Shortest Possible Route (SPR), a line that cuts all the tangents just one foot from the curb or road edge. Very few elite runners, with an unimpeded road available to them, tend to run that tightly. For those farther back in the pack, the crowd of runners around them makes this almost impossible, and possibly not worth the extra effort it would require to weave through the field to follow the SPR. Also, runners may start their watches before reaching the actual starting line and stop them after the finish.
These two factors are the primary cause for readings that don’t agree with the actual course distance. Tests performed by members of USATF’s Road Running Technical Council have found that runners usually will get a reading indicating the course is 1 percent long. (Several threads on the topic are available on the RRTC Bulletin Board at http://measure.infopop.cc/eve).
Strictly speaking, all certified courses are long, since a 0.01 percent Short Course Prevention Factor is added to ensure they don’t come up short and fail validation in case of a record, but that is probably not enough to explain the longer readings obtained by runners’ GPS units. The RRTC’s statement on GPS measurements is available at http://www.usatf.org/Products-/-Services/Course-Certifications/USATF-Certified-Courses/Certify-Your-Course/Statement-on-GPS-Use-by-Runners.aspx.