WASHINGTON—Two high-profile, credit union sponsored road races and runs will be taking place this weekend on opposite coasts.
Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run in Washington, D.C., while on the West Coast the Credit Union SACTOWN Run, is set to draw participants in Sacramento, Calif.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, often referred to as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring,” is scheduled for April 11–12 and includes a 5K run-walk, a kids run and the signature 10-mile race.
The 5K will be held Saturday in Arlington, Va., followed by the 10-mile race Sunday beginning at the Washington Monument Grounds.
As organizers have noted, the race, which dates back to 1973, winds past many of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks and coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, drawing runners from across the U.S. and internationally.
According to organizers, more than 400 credit union employees will be pitching in over the weekend in Washington to volunteer at water stops, corrals and other stations, and over 7,000 credit union members will be running in this year’s race.
Meanwhile, across the country, the Credit Union SACTOWN Run will take place Sunday morning in Sacramento, featuring a road mile, 5K and other race options along a course that runs through downtown landmarks, including Capitol Mall and the Tower Bridge.
Fundraisers for CMN
Both events are major fundraisers for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The SACTOWN Run, for example, organized in partnership with the Sacramento Running Association, has raised nearly $3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since its launch in 2012, according to organizers.
Half-Million-Dollar Check Presented
In advance of the 2026 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K and Capitol Hill Competition, credit unions and industry partners, presented a $506,000 check Thursday to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Since credit unions became the title sponsors of the run in 2002, more than $12.5 million has been donated to CMN hospitals nationwide through this event.
“This popular run presents a unique opportunity to make a difference for children being cared for at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and raises visibility and awareness about all the good credit unions do for their members and communities, John Bratsakis, chair of the Credit Union Miracle Day, said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support of lead sponsors, Velera, TruStage and Visa, and the hundreds of credit union volunteers who donate their time to this event.”
The annual run brings Congressional offices together to support CMN. As part of the larger run, organizers noted that more than 1,000 House and Senate staffers have formed 150 teams and will engage in a “spirited and friendly” Capitol Hill Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Federal Credit Union and United States Senate Federal Credit Union, with support from America’s Credit Unions. 163 members of Congress from 43 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are serving as Honorary Co-chairs this year.
‘People Helping People’ in Action
“We talk a lot about purpose at America’s Credit Unions. This race is the perfect example of that. It’s credit unions’ people helping people philosophy put into action to help make sure every child across the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals receives the best possible care,” said Catherine Porterfield, Vice President of Member Engagement and Service at America’s Credit Unions.
According to organizers, more than 400 credit union employees will be pitching in over the weekend to volunteer at water stops, corrals and other stations, and over 7,000 credit union members will be running in this year’s race.
