The Cherry Blossom 10 miler known as the official “rite of spring” in the DC running world, was back in full force this year. As a Washington, DC native, this race is also my favorite race of the year and a must run. In fact, this was my 12th time running this race. After a pared-down field last fall, the race was back to approximately 18,000 runners this year.
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2022
Always held on the first Sunday in April, Cherry Blossom attracts a field of runners from around the country. It’s the perfect way to do a mini sightseeing tour of DC starting at The Washington Monument (blocks from The White House). Runners will see the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials as well as other iconic DC sites like The Kennedy Center and Haines Point.
Packet Pickup
While the expo was slightly smaller than in previous years, it was well organized and easy to navigate. There were a few “selfie stations” with Garmin and Brooks. The basic race t-shirt was navy with a pink design.
Race Day
With an early 7:30 am start, runners need to arrive pretty early to check a bag or use the porta Johns. With 18,000 runners the lines were crazy long. We waited almost 30 minutes and actually missed our designated corral start. This did not really matter as the race is chip timed. However…
Start of Race
The elites started about 15 minutes before the first corral of mere mortal runners. This means, most of us caught a glimpse of them as they were nearing the finish line.
After waiting in the porta John line, Cari and I made our way to the corrals and kind of got stuck faster back than we had hoped. We were finally off and running at about 7:50. The first mile was really packed and there was a lot of dodging and weaving. While the field spread out a bit, I don’t remember the race being so crowded in years past. I felt like I was constantly having to weave through people.
It was also so strange to be around so many people once again! I also do not remember the roads having so many potholes in years past. Runners had to pay attention not to hit any of them as we ran by the iconic sites of the city. While the actual Cherry Blossom trees peaked the week prior, there was still plenty to see and enjoy on the course.
Weather
This time of the year you never know what you might get. We lucked out with clear skies, slight wind, and temps in the upper 40’s to start. We finished in full sun and mid 50’s. Perfect weather in my book!
My race
I had low expectations going into race day having just had a big PR 2 weeks before in Asheville. In addition, my glute/hip was not happy and I have been having some blister/bunion issues. Anyway, once I started running I felt pretty good and settled into my race pace. I was happy to see I was pretty much running at the exact pace I ran in Asheville.
I held onto this pace and felt pretty good the first 8 miles. I slowed slightly in miles 9 and 10. The “free Oreos and beer” guys were back this year at mile 9. I did not stop but many runners did. I had to dig deep that last mile and power through the uphill finish. I swear those signs that say you only have ‘400 meters” to go are lying!
I must have weaved around quite a bit to see I had run 10.2 miles. According to Strava and Garmin, I held onto my 10:04 pace to finish at 1:41. Ironically, I realized I was only about 45 seconds off of my course PR from 12 years ago! Darn, that last water stop. I am really happy with how I ran 2 weeks after Asheville.
Although I live in the DC area, there is still something so magical and powerful about running amongst the memorials. there is nothing like finishing at The Washington Monument just blocks from The White House.
Overall
Cherry Blossom is a bucket list race for any runner who loves a racecation. The course is pretty flat (except for the finish) and the views can’t be beaten. Entry is by lottery only usually held in December.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Well done, Deborah!
Amazing that you nearly PR’d again just after Asheville. You’re in great shape!
I know, those distance signs near the finishing line are always lying. 🙂
Those cherry blossoms are amazing – and I love your matching outfit!
thanks Cat I was really happy with how it played out
Sounds like a great race! Its awesome that you ran so close to your PR without even trying. Looks like you had a perfect day for a race too!
Oh, I would not say I wasn’t trying LOL Running 10 miles never feels easy to me.
Those views have to be amazing! A perfect day to race, indeed.
I don’t often enjoy races where I can’t find my own space to run, though. Still it would probably be worth it for the views!
You did fantasti, Deborah. Your Peloton training has really paid off!
It is definitely a crowded race so it is important to be comfortable with that. It has just been a while! Thanks, I am happy with my training
Well done, especially on heels of your successful half (and your other 10-miler)! I’m thinking I might have to venture back & do this race again 🙂
well, you know I am all for that!
This race looks AMAZING! So glad you got a perfect day for it. The training program you did for your half probably carried over and that’s why you felt so strong. This race is on my bucket list, but I’m not so sure about that porta potty situation- they definitely need more of them!
thanks I was happy how it turned out. The Porta Potty line seems to be par for the course these days
That’s amazing that your time was as fast as 12 years ago.
Having run in NYC, I’m used to big races. They are always so exciting.
I would run this for the views, of course and that I haven’t been to DC in about 30 years.
Lucky about the weather. That can make or break a race.
I had forgotten how many people were at these big races. It has been 3 years since we had the full field of runners here. Yes, you need to run it again although it will be close to NYC next year too
Great recap! Bummer on the long ports-potty lines. I wonder if start back further made it less crowded? I do know pot holes were an issue in years past. At least Memorial Bridge was smoother this year.
Congratulations on your great time!
yes the potty lines were just ridiculous as were the potholes. I do think you need to come back next year for the 50th anniversary!
Great recap! I haven’t run Cherry Blossom in a few years but now you’ve got me wanting to sign up for next year! I’m glad you had a good day and another strong race, congratulations!
It is a really fun race!
What a strong race for you! And of course on point with the outfit 🙂 DC looks so pretty. My friend ran and he did stop for the beer, but passed on the oreos! I probably would have done it the other way around. Congrats!
I would much rather have an oreo than a beer too! it is a fun race hope you have the chance to run it some day
Brilliant, well done, and I love your race outfit, too!
Thanks so much Liz 🙂
How wonderful! And your pace was incredible given your low expectations. Washington DC has always been on my bucket list. My husband has been there 3 times and has such fond memories. We will have to time a visit with this race because it sounds amazing!
I hope you have the chance to sometime!
Congrats on a great race, Deborah! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your recap since it’s a race I’ve run many times. It’s hard to believe my 10-mile PR is at that race considering how crowded it’s gotten in recent years. We used to be able to pick up our race packets near the start on race morning! 😀
OH wow sounds like it has gotten so much bigger! A classic DC race for sure
Congrats Deborah! You did great.
It’s so stressful to still be in the bathroom line when the race starts! Ah, the joy of big races…
Yes, it is nice to be back at big races but the long potty lines I do not miss!
Awesome job and congrats on another strong race, especially so soon after your half marathon.
thanks so much Kim!
DC always looks so beautiful when the cherry blossoms are blooming. I’d love to do that race someday. Congrats on you successful event!
I hope you have the chance to run here somtime
So much fun to run “with” you and see you over the weekend. I HATE those x meters to go sign. They’re meanie liars 😀 I would absolutely have had an oreo if it were closer to the finish. Talk about uphill power
Yay on coming so close to a 12 year old PR. Your Asheville training was so good and I’m glad your hip held off
It was so great to run with you. And-I am so glad we waited for the porta potties too. Hope to see you again soon
You had all that saved up fitness and it paid off! I love that you were able to finish at the same time as 12 years ago. Nice work! I still want to do this one.
thanks and I hope you get the chance to one of these years