It’s the D.C. running community’s annual reunion. Once the snow melts and the bibs are swapped, thousands converge in front of the Washington Monument for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile. Everyone sees everyone — on the other side of the Arlington Memorial Bridge in mile two, along Rock Creek Parkway and Ohio Drive later in the first half of the race. “I haven’t seen you since Marine Corps!” “How’s your Boston training going?” Though runners take it seriously, most talk of “peaking” does not involve training periodization or a taper; it’s all about the cherry trees. It’s been a few years since the race and the trees have been on the same page, but that doesn’t stop anyone from marking the lottery entry dates on their calendar months in advance. It’s a speedy course, too, with both men’s and women’s American records for 10 miles coming on the course, with two women’s records in the last two years. Year in and year out, a strong international field comes out to play, and the Kenyan ambassador is usually nearby to watch with pride. The race was home to both men’s and women’s U.S. 10 mile championships. It’s been at least six years since any rain has ruined the day, which usually progresses to brunch and a nap later on. Dreams are dashed or realized in East Potomac Park, sometimes harmed by a headwind. And as many times as they run it, seemingly nobody can remember where they went downhill when they have to head back up in the last half mile. - C H A RLIE BA N
MAY JUNE 2014 | RUNWASHINGTON.COM | RUNWASHINGTON | 21