WASHINGTON–Credit unions this weekend will be hosting four races around the world that raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network.
On April 2 the high-profile Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten-Mile Run will once again take place in Washington, where in addition to thousands of runners as participants, more than 190 Members of Congress have signed on to be honorary race chairs of the events representing 44 states, American Samoa, D.C. and Guam. The 45th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds and then take place among the iconic memorials in the nation’s capital. There is also a 5K Walk-Run on April 2, and a Kids’ Run on April 1.
The Credit Union Family of Races, which sponsors the race, will be presenting a $580,485 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Since credit unions became the title sponsors in 2002, just over $8 million has been donated to CMNHs nationwide.
Congressional FCU and U.S. Senate FCU sponsor the annual Cherry Blossom Capitol Hill Competition, the race within the larger Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. House and Senate offices form teams to compete for the Capitol Hill Cup. The team with the best race time wins the cup to display in its office. Five hundred and forty congressional staffers are running in what’s known as the “Runner’s Rite of Spring.”
On the same day, in Sacramento, Calif., the 7th Annual Credit Union SacTown Run will take place on Sunday, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the state capitol. More than 1,500 participants are expected at the event, which features a 10-mile race, the UC Davis Children’s Hospital Miracle Mile fun run and fitness walk, and a 5K. New this year is the “Homemade-Half Challenge,” for those interested in running a half-marathon. They can run in both the 5K (in less than 40 minutes) and the 10-miler—which adds up to the equivalent of a half-marathon.
The 2017 Run—hosted by the Sacramento Running Association—serves as the Pacific Association 10-Mile Championship.
The Family of Races also includes a Freedom Run at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait on April 2, sponsored by the Defense Credit Union Council, and at Wiesbaden Army Garrison in Germany on April 15, sponsored by Andrews FCU.
For info: www.miracleday.org.
Separately, PSCU has helped drive more than $8 million in total donations to the Cherry Blossom Run. PSCU’s co-commitment with CUNA Mutual Group to underwrite title sponsorship expenses for the race means that the money raised furthers research and medical care at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide, PSCU stated.
PSCU will come together with credit unions, industry partners and hundreds of volunteers to prepare all the gear, support and entertainment for 15,000 runners. When the race starts at 7:30 a.m. on April 2, those runners will have contributed over $102,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,.CUMD will present a check for nearly $600,000 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 2002, CUMD has raised over $8 million for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, PSCU explained.
“PSCU is honored to help finance this very special event that helps so many children around the country receive the treatment they need,” said Chuck Fagan, PSCU President and CEO. “The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is the perfect opportunity to increase awareness on Capitol Hill about how credit unions help their local communities thrive.”