The annual 2025 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is taking place on Sunday, April 6th. Consistently drawing in nearly 20,000 runners, the event is one of the most anticipated organized races in D.C. Plus, now that peak bloom has been announced, we’re more ready than ever for the seasonal event!
With the race just around the corner, we’re here to help answer all your questions about the event, from start times to road closures.
Where should I pick up my race packet?
If you elected to pick up your packet rather than have it mailed to you, packet pick-up for the ten-mile race takes place at the National Building Museum. Runners can head over on Friday, April 4th from 2:00 pm to 7:45 pm or Saturday, April 5th from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm.
If you are picking up someone else’s packet, be sure to have a note from the runner stating that they permitted you to do so – email is fine – and an ID for yourself.
Pro tip: Try to avoid going to the National Building Museum right when it opens on Friday and Saturday. The lines will be crazy!
What are the D.C. Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run start times?
This year, the 2025 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run will take place on Sunday, April 6th. Start times are currently scheduled as follows:
7:18 am Advance start for elite women runners
7:28 am Wheelchair and duo racers start
7:30 am Elite male runners & yellow wave 1 start
7:34 am Red wave 2 starts
7:39 am Blue wave 3 starts
7:45 am Orange wave 4 starts
7:50 am Green wave 5 starts
7:55 am Purple wave 6 starts
7:59 am Last 10-mile runner crosses the start line
What is the D.C. Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run route?
The Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run starts on 15th Street near the Washington Monument grounds. Participants will then run west on Independence Avenue and over the Arlington Memorial Brigde before turning back around and onto Rock Creek Parkway.
After turning around again and taking a brief jaunt onto Ohio Drive, runners will return to Independence Avenue, running around the east side of the Tidal Basin, down and around Hains Point, and up onto Raoul Wallenberg Place SW to finish back by the starting line.
A detailed map of the course can be found here.
Where can I watch the the D.C. Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run?
The Tidal Basin will remain open to pedestrian traffic, making it a great spot to hang around and cheer on runners. Alternatively, you can post up by the start and finish line near the Washington Monunment grounds. Looking for a quieter viewing experience? Consider staking out a spot in East Potomac Park near Hains Point.
How will race day affect the D.C. Metro?
Thanks to WMATA, the Metro will open at 5:00 am on Sunday, April 6. By opening two hours earlier, the Metro serves as a great mode of transportation to the race. The start line is just a short walk from the Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, and L’Enfant Plaza Stations.
The start and finish lines are just a short walk from the Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, and L’Enfant Plaza Stations.
What roads will be closed for the race?
From approximately 6:30 am to 11:00 am the following streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, April 6th:
⛔ Memorial Bridge
⛔ Memorial Circle
⛔ Rock Creek Parkway South of Virginia Avenue
⛔ Ohio Drive from 23rd Street to Inlet Bridge
⛔ West Basin Drive
⛔ East Basin Drive
⛔ East Potomac Park
⛔ West Potomac Park
⛔ Hains Point
⛔ 15th Street from Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue
⛔ 17th Street from Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue
⛔ Independence Ave from 14th Street to 23rd Street
⛔ Jefferson Drive from 14th to 15th Street
⛔ Madison Drive from 14th to 15th Street
⛔ Raoul Wallenberg Place
⛔ Maine Avenue from 395/695 to East Basin Drive
Get more information on road closures via this map.
Can I get pictures from the race?
Yes! Photos of runners will be available at www.cherryblossom.org as early as 6:00 am on Monday, April 7th.