March 15, 2016, Washington, DC: Race organizers of the 2016 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, the third stop on the 2015-2016 PRRO Circuit, announced today that Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi will play a key role in this year's race festivities, even if he chooses not to run competitively on Sunday, April 3. Meb recently placed second in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles to make his fourth U.S. Olympic Team; his competitive status for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run will depend upon his recovery from the Olympic Trials.

 

"Running the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile has been on my bucket list for several years," said Meb Keflezighi. "Since I am not running a spring marathon this year, the timing is perfect now. I like to use shorter road races as a way to train and tune-up for the major marathons, so the 10 miler will be a great tune-up for the Olympic Marathon."

 

"We are tremendously pleased to have Meb Keflezighi join us in Washington, DC for the 44th running of the Runner's Rite of Spring," said Phil Stewart, Race Director of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run. "Not only is he one of the most highly decorated American distance runners of all time, his personal story is even more inspiring. From his arrival in America as a refugee from war-torn Eritrea in 1987, to being granted U.S. citizenship in 1998, to becoming the first American to win the New York City Marathon in 27 years in 2009, to his emotionally charged victory at the 2014 Boston Marathon and his recent Olympic Trials performance, at the age of 40, Meb's life resume is legendary."

 

Stewart added: "Of course, we hope Meb has recovered from the Olympic Marathon Trials and is able to compete and pursue Steve Jones' Masters course record of 48:26, set in 1996, but there are some 15,000 registered runners who probably hope he'll choose to run with them at a more leisurely pace."

 

Regardless of his race day decision, Capitol Hill staffers entered in Cherry Blossom's Capitol Hill Competition will have the opportunity to meet Meb at the Capitol Visitor's Center on Thursday, March 31 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Later that evening Meb will appear at the Potomac River Running store at 4501 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA between 6 - 8:00 p.m. for autographs and photos. He will also make two public appearances at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Health and Fitness Expo at the National Building Museum - Friday, April 1 from 3 - 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

 

Among the many highlights of Meb's long running career, here are some of his most notable achievements:

One interesting note: Despite having raced at distances from 1500 meters to the marathon, Meb has never run 10 miles competitively.

 

Media interested in interviewing Meb during his visit to Washington, DC should contact Keith Peters at 307-690-6803 or [email protected].

 

Since 2002, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K Run-Walk have raised over $7.5 million for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and a significant portion of that total has been raised by Charity Race entrants. 

The 2016 event will mark the 15th year of title sponsorship by Credit Union Miracle Day.