Sometimes it’s fun to get away, and fun was the intention as I joined friends in running the 50th Annual Cherry Blossom 10 Mile this past weekend.

The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile is part of the annual 5-week festival celebrating the thousands of cherry trees lining Potomac Park and Washington, D.C. streets. The original trees were a gift from the mayor of Osaka, Japan in 1912 symbolizing friendship between the two nations. The annual festival attempts to coincide with the peak of the fragrant pink blossoms each year.

The first Cherry Blossom Festival, held in 1935, was a modest affair as was the first Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race in 1973. The first race saw 127 male and 12 female finishers and had a Western PA connection. Shaler High School graduate Sam Bair won the first event in a time of 51:22. Women’s running pioneer Katherine Switzer finished first among women with her time of 1:11:19.

This year, 16,712 runners finished the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile on Sunday with 5,929 completing Saturday’s 5k. Unlike in the early years, women outnumbered men by more than 4,100 participants in both distances. More than 1,600 completed the Double Blossom, the combo of 5k and 10 Mile.

This year’s overall 10 Mile winner was Tsegay Kidanu of Ethiopia in a time of 46:08. Ugandan Sarah Chelangat finished as first woman in 52:37.

This year’s Cherry Blossom served as the USATF National 10 Mile Championship providing a “race within a race” for American competitors. Second overall female Sara Hall, 52:37, finished first among American women while second place male Hillary Bor set a new American 10-mile record and earned a $50,000 bonus with his 46:13 finish. The previous record by Greg Meyer on the same course had stood for 40 years.

While the few front runners added to the lore of the Cherry Blossom, none of my six-member running group were out to make history. Our goals were to, after winning our spots in last December’s lottery, arrive at the start injury-free and properly trained, have fun for 10 miles and cross the finish line strong.

I had followed the free 10-week Cherry Blossom online training plan and felt well-rested and confident of at least finishing within the 2:20:00 time limit. My friends had mixed goals of racing for time, enjoying the experience or battling through nagging injuries. After a night of usual pre-race tossing and turning and a morning of dressing and redressing, packing and repacking gear check bags in the face of changing weather conditions, we headed to the start area.

I don’t think any of us had anticipated the 15+ mph swirling winds in the chilly pre-dawn beneath the Washington Monument. After a last porta-potty stop and a group photo, we reluctantly surrendered our warm-up clothes to gear check trucks and split up for our assigned wave start corrals. I donned my wind-breaking PoorTex (trash bag) and still shivered until the first rays of morning sun broke through and our race was finally under way.

Running alone all winter, I had forgotten how much energy surges through a big event, almost as if the group rather than individual effort propels everyone forward. Crossing Memorial Bridge in sight of thousands was an inspirational reminder of how humans can work together toward a common goal.

Soon we entered Potomac Park lined with the famous cherry trees, definitely past their prime bloom but beautiful, nonetheless. A tailwind pushed us on to Haines Point which meant we faced a punishing headwind at the turnaround. I hesitated but couldn’t pass up a DC Brau beer stop before facing the final few miles.

Soon the course narrowed and we counted down the final meters of the single uphill toward the finish line amidst cheers of spectators. I clicked my watch, cooled down with a slow walk through the requisite finishing chute and exited wrapped in mylar and munching on animal crackers and banana. I met my friends under the waving flags where we had begun our journey.

There would be time on our drive home to share stories and check race results, and days following to regain strength and heal injuries. For now, we shared the joy of experience, our own runners’ high.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 10 a.m.: MKG Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm, Race #3 of MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Choice of 10k or half marathon. This event is almost sold out. www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/dirty-kiln-trail-race/

April 15, 8 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon Course Preview Training Run, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5k, 11 miles or 20 miles starting at Market Square. p3r.org/events/2023-dick-s-sporting-goods-pittsburgh-marathon-weekend-training-kickoff-run-1?day=04-15-2023

April 15, 9 a.m.: Run Across Guatemala 5k, Allison Park. Starts at North Park’s Pool Area. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/RunAcrossGuatemala5k

April 15, 9 a.m.: Dyngus Day Dash 5k, Allison Park. Run from North Park Boat House, then eat Polish food. 412-327-6074 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=137641secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=137641

April 15, 9 a.m.: Boston Trail ½ Marathon and 5k, Boston. Run on Yough River Trail section of Great Allegheny Passage. 412-780-7802 or Donna.bour@bourassociates.com

April 16, 9 a.m.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5k, Portersville. Out and back course on Moraine State Park paved bike trail starting at McDanel’s Boat Launch. Register by March 23 to guarantee a race shirt. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunToBreatheHalfMarathon5K?rsus=100-200-1ada957e-dc69-4f10-add1-b4e5c55e6cae

April 16, 3 p.m..: Run or Walk for Someone Special, Sykesville. Choice of 5-mile race or 2-mile fun run. 814-591-6800 or www.jcarc.org

April 22, 9 a.m.: New Story Schools Autism Awareness 5k, Dubois. Flat and fast out-and-back. 814-371-5387 or runsignup.com/Race?raceId=127191

April 22, 9:15 a.m.: Bob Young Memorial 5k, Steubenville, OH. Also 1-Mile Run/Walk and Toddler Dash. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Steubenville/TheBobYoungMemorial5k

April 22, 10 a.m.: Phenomenal Hope 5k and Kids’ Runs, Pittsburgh. Run on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Kids’ runs start at 9:30 A.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/phenomenalhope5k

April 23, 9 a.m.: 2.2 or 4.4 Tutu Race, Erie. Starts from Presque Isle State Park’s Beach One Pavilion. Cash awards for best tutus. Tutus encouraged but not required. erierunners.club/event/2-2-or-4-4-tutu-race/

April 29, 9 a.m.: 11th Annual Run for the Titan Trail 5k Run/1-Mile Walk/Tot Run, Glenshaw. Starts at Shaler Elementary School. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Glenshaw/TitanTrail5K

May 6, 8 a.m.: UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5k, Pittsburgh. Run from Northside to Downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/5k

May 6, 8:30 a.m.: Sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot, Pittsburgh. Tots run 50-yard dash in Point State Park. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/toddler-trot-race

May 6, 9:30 a.m.: Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, Pittsburgh. Run from North Shore to Downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/kids-marathon-race

May 7, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Pittsburgh. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/races/toddler-trot-race

Race results

Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, March 25: Jimmie Couch, 1st Overall M, 1:22:34; Caleb Ritenour, 3rd Overall M, 1:43:23; Rachel Sivley, 1st Overall W, 1:52:52; Brittni Troyan, 2nd Overall W, 1:56:27; Catherine Hrach, 3rd Overall W, 1:56:49; Mark Hunkele, 1st 50-54 M, 1:48:16; Chris Gilman, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:49:10; Zach Porter, 1st 35-39 M, 1:59:30; Stephen Mick, 3rd 40-44 M, 2:00:55; Janel Edwards, 1st 35-39 W, 2:09:55; Seth Stallard, 1st 30-34 M, 2:10:36; Suzette Cappola, 1st 45-49 W, 2:11:41; James Gascoine, 2nd 65-69 M, 2:18:22; Jeff Deshay, 3rd 45-49 M, 2:26:54; Michael Zucatti, 2nd 35-39 M, 2:37:06; David Murray, 1st 55-59 M, 2:37:15; Ethan Hrach, 1st 19 & Under M, 2:46:36; Wyatt Bowman, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:58:59; Brian Otoole, 2:02:35; Nellie Zuba, 2:27:17; Nicole Flaherty, 2:45:06

Shamrock Shuffle 5k, March 25: Samuel West, 1st Overall M, 16:32; Thomas Pichieri, 3rd Overall M, 19:54; Katie Lutz, 1st Overall W, 20:45; Grace Lazzaro, 3rd Overall W, 21:45; Julia Zalenski, 1st 16-19 W, 21:45;

Adam Ranalli, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:50; Jeff Smith, 1st 55-59 M, 21:57; Andrew Gengler, 1st 30-34 M, 22:34; Weston Graf, 2nd 10 & Under M, 22:50; Riley Perry, 1st 13-15 W, 22:51; Brian Gengler, 2nd 30-34 M, 23:15; Levi Fowler, 2nd 13-15 M, 23:32; Jim Gallagher, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:36; Lindon Fowler, 3rd 40-44 W, 23:49; Terry Pavlin, 1st 50-54 M, 23:54; Kelsey Burris, 1st 25-29 W, 24:33; Lucas Porter, 3rd 10 & Under M, 24:41; Renee Miller, 1st 35-39 W, 24:51; Kurt Fowler, 3rd 50-54 M, 25:37; Kara Shuty, 2nd 45-49 W, 25:42; Erin Stonebraker, 3rd 40-44 W, 26:00; Corinne Savena, 2nd 25-29 W, 26:52; Ashley Bartell, 3rd 25-29 W, 27:52; Megan Fowler, 2nd 35-39 W, 27:53; Juliana Hunkele, 2nd 11-12 W, 28:13; Shields Fowler, 3rd 11-12 M, 29:28; Jenn Pavlin, 2nd 50-54 W, 29:38; Cindy Waltemire, 1st 65-69 W, 29:43; Casey Clouse, 2nd 16-19 W, 30:04; Rebecca Rawlings, 3rd 45-49 W, 30:04; Paul Johnson, 1st 70+ M, 30:07; Vicki Brendlinger, 2nd 60-64 W, 30:11; Gypsy Dreveniak, 3rd 50-54 W, 31:49; Anthony Sunseri, 2nd 70+ M, 32:16; Emily Clouse, 3rd 10 & Under W, 34:47; Robert Sands, 3rd 70+ M, 38:48; Valerie Sands, 1st 70+ W, 39:49; Deborah Takacs, 2nd 55-59 W, 40:19 Ann Cheman, 2nd 70+ W, 42:02; Svetlana Tarassov, 3rd 35-39 W, 42:55; David Murray, 3rd 55-59 M, 46:41; Denise Phipps, 3rd 55-59 W, 47:06; Roderic Porter, 2nd 65-69 M, 52:21; Toby Myers, 25:04; Jerry Porter, 25:51; Luke Dye, 26:17; Briana Dugan, 26:28; David Piecuch, 26:32; Renee Yost, 26:38; Pat Zezza, 26:47; Jesse Burris, 27:43; Maura Dye, 28:13; Rene Hatheway, 28:47; Dan Miller, 29:41; Casey Reiland, 30:03; Jeff Shuty, 31:12; Wyatt Bowman, 31:17; Dylan Bowman, 31:18; Ben Gross, 31:34; Katie Shuty, 31:39; Madison Hersman, 32:48; Paul Scanlon, 33:27; Nick Hersman, 33:43; Becky Clouse, 34:47; Wendy Sciullo, 36:13; Christopher Robinson, 36:34; Nellie Zuba, 36:34; Heidi Fleming, 37:14; Kevin Sciullo, 39:19; Karen Spieler, 39:58; Kathleen Brenneman, 42:59; Quentin Kelley, 43:04; Laurel Sutterfield, 43:04; Christine Fiechuk, 43:43; Laura Graf, 43:47; Joe Betro, 44:54; Ashley Peoples, 49:44; Cori Dunn, 54:47; Allison Tubridy, 56:19; Julie Breitenbach, 56:59

Shamrock Shuffle 1-Mile, March 25: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 5:44; Gavin Lutz, 2nd Overall W, 6:05; Gabrielle Nedzel, 1st Overall W, 8:13; Mia Casker, 2nd Overall W, 8:20; Rylin Porter, 3rd Overall W, 9:58; Cael Waltemire, 1st 11-12 M, 7:50; Roman Scott, 1st 9-10 M, 7:51; Bryson Schoppe, 2nd 9-10 M, 8:23; Liam Dunkle, 3rd 9-10 M, 8:53; Bennett Myers, 1st 1-6 M, 8:58; John Grenci, 1st 60-69 M, 9:34; Katie Casker, 1st 40-49 W, 10:00; Sawyer Vanderhoof, 1st 7-8 M, 10:08; Natalie Ranalli, 1st 30-39 W, 10:14; Gabby Peluso, 1st 7-8 W, 10:36; Charlotte Nedzel, 1st 1-6 W, 10:38; Haley Caldwell, 1st 20-29 W, 10:39; Mason Vanderhoof, 2nd 7-8 M, 10:42; Teague Scott, 3rd 7-8 W, 10:43; Samantha Vanderhoof, 2nd 30-39 M, 10:53; Louis Ranalli, 2nd 1-6 M, 10:54; Janet Barber, 2nd 50-59 W, 11:00; Paul Barber, 1st 50-59 M, 11:04; Josephine Ranalli, 2nd 7-8 W, 11:05; Michael Glew, 2nd 50-59 M, 11:08; Catherine Nedzel, 2nd 1-6 W, 11:19; Andrew Nedzel, 1st 40-49 M, 11:30; David Murray, 3rd 50-59 M, 12:27; Holly Keefer, 3rd 50-59 W, 14:51; Jennifer Scanlon, 2nd 40-49 W, 17:57; Michele Papakie, 18:18

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle