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An iconic spring tradition in Washington, DC, this scenic race takes runners through peak cherry blossoms and past major monuments on a flat, prestigious 10-mile course ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
Course Highlights
The flat and fast 10-mile course starts at the 555-foot Washington Monument and heads west on Independence Avenue before crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Virginia ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)). After a brief loop near the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, runners return to DC to hug the Tidal Basin, offering stunning views of the Jefferson and MLK Jr. Memorials ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). A scenic three-mile stretch follows through Hains Point in East Potomac Park, where runners are surrounded by a canopy of blooming cherry trees ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The race finishes back on the Washington Monument grounds, providing a dramatic finish line atmosphere against the iconic obelisk ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
Why Runners Love It
Affectionately known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring®,” this race is legendary for its timing with the peak bloom of Washington’s Yoshino cherry trees ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)). With over 20,000 participants, it is one of the most popular races in the U.S., requiring a lottery entry system due to high demand ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The event frequently serves as the USATF National 10 Mile Championship, drawing a world-class field of elite athletes ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Runners love the festive atmosphere, the rare opportunity to race through historic memorials under a pink floral canopy, and the prestige of participating in a cornerstone event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)).
Race Details
- Location: Washington, United States
- Distances: 10 Mile, 5K Run-Walk, Kids Run
- Next Race Date: 2027-04-04
- Start Time: 07:30
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive early on race morning as road closures begin at 5:00 a.m. around the National Mall ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Use the Metro’s Smithsonian station, which opens early for the race, as it is just one block from the 10-mile staging area ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Bib pickup is exclusive to the Health and Fitness Expo at the National Building Museum on Thursday and Friday; no race-day pickup is available ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Expect spring temperatures between 44°F and 66°F, making layers essential ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
History & Charity
Founded in 1973 by local trail enthusiasts, the race began as a small training run for the Boston Marathon but quickly evolved into a premier national event ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_Blossom_Ten_Mile_Run)). It celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,020 cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). For over 20 years, the event has served as a primary fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network, supporting pediatric hospitals nationwide ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The race’s “Runner’s Rite of Spring®” tagline reflects its decades-long standing as a seasonal marker and beloved tradition in the nation’s capital ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)).
Washington, DC 20024 United States
An iconic spring tradition in Washington, DC, this scenic race takes runners through peak cherry blossoms and past major monuments on a flat, prestigious 10-mile course ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
Course Highlights
The flat and fast 10-mile course starts at the 555-foot Washington Monument and heads west on Independence Avenue before crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Virginia ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)). After a brief loop near the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, runners return to DC to hug the Tidal Basin, offering stunning views of the Jefferson and MLK Jr. Memorials ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). A scenic three-mile stretch follows through Hains Point in East Potomac Park, where runners are surrounded by a canopy of blooming cherry trees ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The race finishes back on the Washington Monument grounds, providing a dramatic finish line atmosphere against the iconic obelisk ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
Why Runners Love It
Affectionately known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring®,” this race is legendary for its timing with the peak bloom of Washington’s Yoshino cherry trees ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)). With over 20,000 participants, it is one of the most popular races in the U.S., requiring a lottery entry system due to high demand ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The event frequently serves as the USATF National 10 Mile Championship, drawing a world-class field of elite athletes ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Runners love the festive atmosphere, the rare opportunity to race through historic memorials under a pink floral canopy, and the prestige of participating in a cornerstone event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)).
Race Details
- Location: Washington, United States
- Distances: 10 Mile, 5K Run-Walk, Kids Run
- Next Race Date: 2027-04-04
- Start Time: 07:30
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive early on race morning as road closures begin at 5:00 a.m. around the National Mall ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Use the Metro’s Smithsonian station, which opens early for the race, as it is just one block from the 10-mile staging area ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Bib pickup is exclusive to the Health and Fitness Expo at the National Building Museum on Thursday and Friday; no race-day pickup is available ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). Expect spring temperatures between 44°F and 66°F, making layers essential ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)).
History & Charity
Founded in 1973 by local trail enthusiasts, the race began as a small training run for the Boston Marathon but quickly evolved into a premier national event ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_Blossom_Ten_Mile_Run)). It celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,020 cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). For over 20 years, the event has served as a primary fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network, supporting pediatric hospitals nationwide ([Official site](https://cherryblossom.org)). The race’s “Runner’s Rite of Spring®” tagline reflects its decades-long standing as a seasonal marker and beloved tradition in the nation’s capital ([Hotel Washington Guide](https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/cherry-blossom-10-mile-5k-2026-race-day-tips-viewing-guide)).