Any runner has a list of races that are on a bucket list. Whether it be a generic racing goal like completing a marathon or a desire to complete a race you once saw in a Runners World, creating a list of must-do races is something that we as runners simply cannot help but avoid doing.

For me, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is one of those races that I have always wanted to do. The photos of the race showing the cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout Washington, DC is one of the main draws I have had toward the race. Having run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, there is something about running past sites so richly a part of our nation’s history that is simply awe-inspiring and downright remarkable.

I flew into Washington on Saturday morning and did the typical tourist things of checking out sites like the White House, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The  race had a great runner’s expo where number and shirt pick-up took place and a great variety of running businesses, charities and races hosted booths showcasing what each had to offer. The expo was well-organized and not overly crowded which was a nice fit.

Sunday morning the race kicked off at 7:30 AM at the Washington Monument so race organizers advised you to take the Metro to the starting line early enough to avoid the crowds. Assuming for packed Metro trains, I left my hotel around 5:45 and made my way from the hotel just a few stops over to Smithsonian and walked to the starting line. I was one of the earlier runners to arrive and battled a still brisk morning in a sweatshirt and my running gear. It would have been nice if a tent was available f0r runners but no such luck so huddled on a park bench it was for me.

When the race was ready to kick off the announcer advised runners to make their way to their respective chutes arranged by waves based upon anticipated times. The chutes and waves were perfectly paced in terms of kickoffs and by the time I was ready to hit the course I ditched the sweatshirt over the barriers and was off to hit the streets of D.C.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler took place on some of the same roads that the Marine Corps Marathon I completed in 2010 traversed so some of the sights were familiar. The crowds were quite supportive along the way with some great signs, boisterous cheers and even an unofficial beer and Oreo aid station available. The official water stops were staffed to perfection and offered runners both Gatorade and water.

Though not all of the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, pockets of them began blooming and made for a pretty scenery to enjoy while running. The beauty of running in DC is there is always something to look at which makes the running that much more enjoyable. Out on the course, I ran naked from a watch and didn’t pay much attention to my time at the splits but felt as though I was running a pretty strong race. With a couple of jelly beans around the Mile 8 mark I felt I had enough in the tank to make a good push on the course.

Overall, the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler was a great experience and I am glad that I got to compete in the race once. It was a well organized, scenic and enjoyable run that certainly was a racing experience I will not soon forget. I finished the race with a time of 1:22:32 good for 8:15/miles.

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When you grow up in a city that was once called Ireland Parish it is sort of a given that each and every St. Patrick’s Day weekend you need to get your way back home to an old-mill city called Holyoke, Massachusetts to take part in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race.

The 10K (6.2 mile) course races throughout a city that once housed Irish immigrants who made the paper mills of Holyoke the center of their lives. Runners head out of the downtown area of Holyoke, a section of town slowly going through an urban revitalization, and head up toward the Ward 5 section of town which is home to Holyoke Community College. After climbing hills for the first 4 miles, some quite difficult in nature, runners are graced with a huge downhill 4th mile as they make their way down past Holyoke Soldiers Home and toward Holyoke High School. The last mile mile has a quick little uphill past the newly constructed Senior Center and then heads downhill again toward the 6 mile marker. The last .2 of the race is a mad dash to the finish line as literally thousands of people are along the road standing rows deep cheering you into the finish line.

This year’s race was incredibly well-organized and seemed to go off without a hitch. The only part missing was a flyover from either a fighter jet or Mass. State Police helicopter which has taken place in the past.

Kudos to the crowds for coming out in force yesterday, as well. There were fans all along the race course but some key spots were packed with supporters which always makes putting one foot in front of the other a bit easier. A brass band at mile 3 was a nice touch to the race and a bagpiper just shy of the 4 mile marker never disappoints. There was a ton of groups handing out water and Gatorade along the course, and of course if you needed some extra carbs, a beer could also be easily handed to a runner.

The elite runners were back out in force this year amongst the 7000 runners and Olympians Alistair Craig and Amy Hastings took home first place in the men’s and women’s category respectively.

For me, I was able to shave about 20 seconds off my time from last year, always a good thing, and finished the race with a time of 50:17 which is good for 8:06/miles.

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and I will plan on seeing you in Holyoke!