More than 15,000 runners took to the streets in the nation’s capital on Sunday, April 2, 2017 to participate in the annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  Among the runners in Washington, DC this year were two credit union professionals from North Dakota.  Kathy Woodall, Operations Support Manager for Capital Credit Union (Bismarck, ND) and Steve Schmitz, CEO of First Community CU (Jamestown, ND) were both there.  This is the second time that Woodall has participated in the event, and the first time for Schmitz.

“We had great weather the day of the race, It was sunny and around 50 degrees at the start, perfect running weather,” said Woodall.  “It’s such a pretty course, as it starts at the Washington Monument and has views along the course of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and of course all the cherry blossoms!  I love that all the proceeds from the event go towards the Children’s Miracle Network,” she added. 

Schmitz agrees.  “I like to enter races in different parts of the country because it gives me something to look forward to when I go out to train day-to-day.  Knowing that you are working towards a trip to a race someplace a little more exciting helps to keep you motivated when you would rather stay in bed or watch television.  The Cherry Blossom Ten Mile course is one of the most scenic courses to run and because of that, you have to put your name in a lottery system just to be allowed to enter,” he remarked.  “Approximately 20,000 runners from all over the country and around the world took part,” he added.

Schmitz traveled with one of his daughters who also participated in the 5K run, and his older daughter lives in Washington DC with her husband, so the group made it a fun family trip.  “The race day weather was pristine; clear skies, light winds, and cool temps provided ideal running conditions.  CUNA was the main sponsor of the race, so credit unions were given a lot of good press - it was a great day,” he concluded.

This year’s race, the 16th consecutive year, resulted in a $580,485 check being presented to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Each year, the run brings together credit unions from across the country with a shared vision of fundraising and helping children. The proceeds support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit international organization that helps to treat millions of children across the U.S. and Canada.