The cherry blossoms are here! Your social media feeds have probably been filled with all the pink/white puffy goodness. Next weekend is the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler/5K run. This will be my fifth time participating in the event, but first time running the 5K. My 2014 and 2015 race recaps are HERE and HERE. Today I am linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia and sharing five tips for cherry blossom runners and spectators.
1. Metro Fare Cards
If you plan on traveling via metro the fare cards are now paperless. You will have to use a SmarTrip card – more information here.
2. People People People
There will be over 15,000 runners + friends and family. Yes – it will be crowded. Some of these are general tips and can be used at any race:
- Runners – share your race day outfit and pace with your friends/family, run past the first water table – there are more
- Spectators – also share your race day outfit or signs and stay within the course
- Runners + Spectators – designate a meetup area at the finish
Where is the best spot to spectate the 10 Miler? I recommend Mile 1 on Independence Avenue, scoot over to Mile 5 on Independence Avenue OR Mile 5.5 near the Jefferson Memorial, then head over to the finish line (or sit atop the last (and pretty much the only hill) right before the finish).
3. PR Possible
Even though it can be crowded, it is still possible to PR – it is a flat course. Like any race there will be some weaving around (just try to run the tangents and not zig zag across the course). In a perfect world, if everyone lined up according to their assigned corral (here are the corral seeding times) this would help. Also, sometimes we enter lofty goals when registering and errr….training…..was not ideal. If that is the case, start in a later corral – no shame in that. If a PR is not on the agenda have fun! Enjoy the views.
4. Secret Bathrooms (sort of)
If you have to go (and as long as the park system opens them) and can wait until Hains Point – there are some real bathrooms.
5. Finish Festival
Cross that finish line and enjoy the moment. Remember to grab water/food for yourself (sorry spectators, the water/food are for the runners). I know it is tempting to grab a little extra of everything, but remember there are others finishing behind who may not get anything if everyone takes a little extra. Meet up with your friends and family and take some photos!
Bonus: Here is a great 2015 course guide from Kim Runs Miles with Smiles
Do you have any runner or spectator tips for the Cherry Blossom 10M/5K?
Will you participating in the Cherry Blossom 10M/5K this year?
Chaitali
March 25, 2016Useful tips! I never knew about the real bathrooms on Hains Point. My one tip for spectators from going down there last year is to go earlier than you think you need to! With metro and the crowds, it definitely took longer than expected. Plus, the earlier you get there the less people there will be. It was crazy how many more people showed up to see the Cherry Blossoms every minute.
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016That is a good tip. I take it for granted living so close. I’ll mention that to my cousin (or maybe she will read the comments) who will be watching her husband 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
March 25, 2016Great tips! I’m running it again and I couldn’t believe how crowded the race was for the entire course! I’d love to PR but I’m trying not to think about it too much. Hopefully we can finally meet this time??
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Yes, let’s meet! I’ll be running the 5K, but planning on getting there before the 10M start to watch. Lets message morning of (I’ll prob be wearing my Oiselle singlet, or you’ll see me with some of the other singlets) 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com
March 25, 2016I have never ran the Cheery Blossom but know several that have and they say the scenery is just beautiful!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Hope you get to run it one year when its in peak bloom!
Kim W
March 25, 2016Thanks for the shout-out! Great tips. I am considering running the 5k this year since I am so undertrained for the 10 mile. Haven’t decided yet…
Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Of course – you always have great course previews 🙂
Lesley
March 25, 2016Real bathroom is always a plus. I’ve had to use the bathrooms during Run Disney races, but I’ve held it until I could use real ones.
Lesley recently posted…Completely Chaotic
Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016They are always a plus! For the Gate River Run my village had real bathrooms, that was a nice plus 🙂
Pam
March 25, 2016This race is on my bucket list and I love that you run it every year. hopefully runners do a good job with the corrals and the course does not get crazy crowded. Our azaleas are in bloom really early this year too and will be gone for the Azalea festival next week. It seems they are either early or late every year.
Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Hope you will be able to run Cherry Blossom when it is peak bloom! Even though it is crowded, I like the energy of the race. My parents use to have a few azealea bushes in the yard, but I think they took them out when they extended the porch. Hope you had a great weekend, Pam.
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
March 25, 2016I hope to someday get to see the cherry blossoms in real life! They look so pretty!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Yes! Hope you get to see them.
Karen @ Fit in France
March 25, 2016Hope you have a great race !
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Thank you, Karen!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude
March 25, 2016Good tips! I didn’t realize you’ve run this race so many times – how fun!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Thanks, Michelle! Love the race 🙂
Amy Lauren
March 25, 2016These are good tips and yeah, some of them apply for any race. I hope you have a wonderful run!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Thank you, Amy!
Jen@bubblyrunner.com
March 25, 2016So awesome you’re running it! One of these years I’ll sign up to run the 10 miler just to cross it off my list, and I’m sure the course is pretty. I’m actually planning on running around the tidal basin Saturday morning to see the cherry blossoms before all the tourists take over 🙂
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Smart move! I heard there was even a crowd for the sunrise. If you ever run the Navy Air Force Half, very similar to Cherry Blossom!
Coco
March 26, 2016Great tips! For me, Hains Point is so challenging. I need to get a good mental plan for that section of the course.
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016That is a good idea, I know that that is area several people find challenging! I am in the minority and love Hains Point.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy
March 27, 2016Great tips! Maybe someday I can sweetalk my husband into a DC trip for some race — and I’ve never seen the cherry blossoms there!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Hope you get to visit DC for a race – a plus if it coincides with cherry blossoms 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run
March 27, 2016I’m running a half next weekend but absolutely loved the 5k!
Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Woo hoo goal race! I remember you loved it last year and was in the back of my mind when I asked Cliff if he wanted to run 🙂
Debbie @ Deb Runs
March 27, 2016Great tips, Jenny! I used to run the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler pretty regularly – back when we could drive in and park pretty close to the start line! It was so easy back then. I set my 10-miler PR at the Cherry Blossom. Such fond memories!
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Thanks Debbie! Running has come a long way, I remember when it didn’t sell out + starting in West Potomac Park. I need to dig around and try to find the key chain they use to give out.
Debbie @ Deb Runs
March 27, 2016I don’t use it, but I still have the key chain from the 30th running of the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler!
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Stacey
March 27, 2016All great tips-I love cherry blossom season in DC!
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Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
March 27, 2016I have seen pictures all over and they look so beautiful. I would love to visit DC at this time of year.
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Run Jenny Run
March 27, 2016Thanks, Abby! Hope you get to visit one day + run with us 🙂
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes
March 28, 2016Great tips! I ran Cherry Blossom one year when I lived in DC. It wasn’t the most exciting race since there weren’t many blossoms in bloom and it was surprisingly freezing. It should be fantastic with the cherry blossoms this weekend though! Enjoy!!
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Sharon
March 30, 2016Nice tips! I ran Cherry Blossom in 2013 and it was great race! The blossoms weren’t fully bloom but it was still a fun run. Have a great race Jenny!
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