Virtual Run

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom is holding a Virtual 10 Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk in conjunction with the In-Person Race in 2023. Registration is now open!

Register

2023 Virtual Run

March 20 – April 16, 2023

This year’s Virtual Run will be held during the dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 20 – April 16, 2023. Be with us in spirit by running 10 miles or 5K virtually. The Virtual Run is a great option if you find you have a conflict on race weekend. It is also a great way to introduce a newcomer to running who may not be quite ready to strut before thousands on race day on the Washington Monument Grounds. One final plus for the VR: There is no lottery!

Virtual Run registration will be open from January 2 – April 9, 2023.

Register for the 2023 Virtual Run

Virtual Run Details

- How Much? The entry fee for the Virtual Run is $40 for either distance ($75 for international participants to cover international shipping charges).
- Swag: All entrants in the Virtual Run will receive a specially designed Virtual Run cotton t-shirt and Virtual Run medal. If you prefer an ASICS technical performance shirt, you can purchase an upgrade of the cotton t-shirt at the time of registration for $20. All items will be shipped AFTER the Virtual Run is over on April 16, 2023.
- When and Where: You may complete your Virtual Run at any time during the entire span of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, extending from Monday, March 20 through 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, April 16 on a route of your choosing.
- Dogs Welcome! Unlike the in-person run, the Virtual Run welcomes canine companions. Register your dog when you register yourself, and they will get a token of their participation too! And be sure to enter your dog in the Dog Photo contest (see Photo Contest details below).

How to Do Your Virtual Run and Report Your Results

When the Virtual Run starts on March 20, come back here for details on how to report your results to us.

Special Features

Photo Contests and Photo Album!

Virtual Run participants will be able to submit photos to our Photo Album and enter five Virtual Run photo contests during the Virtual Run period (March 20-April 16). Voting on the contests will occur after the Virtual Run ends on April 16. You will be able to submit photos during the virtual run period, and depending on the content of your photo(s), you will be automatically entered into one or more of the following contests:

Sponsor Photos

Pay tribute to CUCB’s Sponsors! This event would not be possible without the contributions and support of our fantastic sponsors: Credit Union Miracle Day, Asics, REI Co-op, Potomac River Running, Wegmans, Gatorade and Guayaki. So flash your REI gear and favorite pair of Asics, finish your run outside your local Credit Union, or pick up a recovery meal from Wegmans, and share your photos with us!

Favorite Furry Friend & Training Partner

Most likely your dog, but if you have a cat or a hamster who runs, we’d love to see the photos. Whoever the friend and training partner is, share your joint accomplishments with us!

Springtime

Whether it’s cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips or azaleas, show yourself amidst some springtime splendor during your run.

Group Photo

Celebrate your accomplishment with family, friends or team members during or after your virtual run.

Everything Else

This is a catch-all category for any great photos we receive that don’t fit into any of the other four categories. This is your chance to get creative with your virtual run!

After voting ends, a prize will be awarded to the winner in each category. So start planning now how to get your best Virtual Run photos!

Build Your Participation Around Other National Cherry Blossom Festival Happenings

Registrants will be provided with details about opportunities to tie their Virtual Runs to activities that are part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, America’s Greatest Springtime Celebration.

Free Informal Team Competition

We will have team competition in the Virtual Run! Teams will consist of five-person teams of any gender, with the top three to score.

One Hundred Mile Club

Individuals who cannot run the In-person races on April 1 and 2, but who do participate in the Virtual Run will have their Virtual Run miles added into their accumulated lifetime miles towards the Hundred Mile Club. Club members with 100 miles or more in race completions receive guaranteed entries for life. (Individuals who participate in both the Virtual event and the In-person event will only have one performance count.)

Help Raise Funds for Children’s Miracle Network

Our official charity partner encourages participants to donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals when they register for the race or by going to the CMN Cherry Blossom website to set up your own personal fundraising page to raise funds to provide cutting edge health care for children in their own communities. The sponsoring credit unions, credit union partners and race participants have combined to raise over $10 million dollars for CMN since 2002.