VOLUNTEERINFORMATION 2017 CHERRY BLOSSOM RUN

Race Date: Sunday, April 2nd

Volunteer Assignment: Information Booth at Washington Monument Grounds (WMG)

Time of Assignment: 5:45- AM -11:30AM -- Please be on time! We cannot guarantee a volunteer assignment or entry into next year’s CUCB run if you are late for your volunteer shift or do not work the entire shift.

Check In: meet Denise Zawitoski at the Information Tent on the WMG. See the map links below for exact location. (Designated area is subject to change) You will receive your long sleeve volunteer shirt there.

Check In: All volunteers will receive an email a few days before your assignment with a QR code. We will use this QR code to sign in all volunteers. All volunteers should bring the QR code (on your phone or printed out) to Denise. Your QR code will be scanned to check you in; this will guarantee that you get your entry code for next year’s race.

Getting there: The start and finish of the race is on the Washington Monument Grounds. The Metrowill NOT be opening early as in years past. Please look at the links below for travel information, ideas for how to get to the race site, and general information about the race.

Helpful Links:

  • Getting to the Race -
  • Race Day Maps -
  • General Information -
  • You can also download the race app “Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run” by Xact, LLC

Information about your duties:

•Please download the race app “Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run” by Xact, LLC.

•We will provide you with several posters of maps to assist you in answering location questions from runners and spectators.

•Please take some time to go through the links above and become familiar with the Course information for all races: the 10 Mile and the 5k (no Kids Run on Sunday). When you click on Race Maps, it will include a map of each of those as well as a map of the staging area on the Washington Monument grounds.

•You will probably get many tourists asking questions about Cherry Blossoms and sites in DC. If you know the answers, terrific! If not, you can say that you only have information on the race.

•Please be aware that we do not have the space or security to watch purses or backpacks. Travel lightly.

•Dress in layers because the early morning can be quite chilly and dark; gloves can be very useful, as well as a flashlight or headlamp.

•Plan accordingly to arrive at the Information Booth by 5:45am.

**REMEMBER – NO EARLY AM METRO SERVICE**

•Remember to wear comfortable shoes and get ready to have fun.

•Also, note that there are no Starbucks or other coffee vendors nearby.

If you have any questions, please email me at or call me on my cell phone 410-456-9504. I will be your main point of contact so please feel free to send me any questions or concerns as they arise.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to volunteer, please email “volunteer cancel” in the subject line and she will remove you from the volunteer list.

Thank you for being a part of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run

Sincerely,

Denise Zawitoski

Information Coordinator

BELOW ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED…..RACE MORNING TENDS TO BE BUSY AND CRAZY. PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THESE QUESTIONS.

Where is packet pick up? There will be no packet pick-up and no t-shirt pick-up at the race site on Sunday, April 2. – However, if someone has questions, please direct them to the Information Tent in the staging area, closest to 15th St.

What time does the race start? The elite women start at 7:19. The rest of the 10 miler starts at 7:30. The 5k starts at 8:40.

Where do I check my bag?

Ten Mile Bag Check:

Location: Six tents located around the perimeter of the Washington Monument on the Constitution Avenue side.

Opens at: 6:05 A.M.

All Bags Must Be Checked By: 7:10 A.M.

Race Starts at: 7:30 A.M.

Closes at: 11:00 A.M.

5k Bag Check:

Location: Six tents located around the perimeter of the Washington Monument on the Constitution Avenue side.

Opens at: 7:10 A.M.

Race Starts at: 8:40 A.M.

Closes at: 11:00 A.M.

You will be using a "coat check" system in which you will be able to approach any of the six tents where your bag will be taken by a bag check volunteer and tagged with a bag check claim check containing your Bag Check tent letter and the number for your bag within that tent. The volunteer will help you apply a wristband at that time with this same information on it. This will assist you in claiming your bag at the same tent after the race. As always, all items must be placed into your clear plastic bag provided at packet pick-up inside the National Building Museum. No gym bags or backpacks will be accepted at Bag Check.

Can I check my backpack at the 10 mile race? - NO

When you picked up your packet at the Health & Fitness Expo you received a clear plastic Bag Check bag. These Bag Check bags must be used for Sunday bag check, so save them if you plan to use the bag check. No Exceptions!

Where is the medical tent? There are two medical tents (please see the map link above) Main Medical is near Constitution Ave & 15th St. , The other is located near the Finish Line at 15th St and Jefferson.

Where is Race lost and found? Race lost & found is at the Volunteer Tent

Where are the porta-potties? There are over 100 porta-potties in the main staging area, lining Constitution Ave. There are also porta-potties at the start of the 5K and out on the course. There will be Port-a-Johns at each of the aid stations along the route.

Can I buy a medal? We are not selling medals today. You can visit our website tomorrow and email to see if there are any medals available for purchase

Can I take 3 hours to finish the 10 miles? NO. You must finish in 2 hours and 20 minutes after the 7:30 start. If you cannot complete the course in under this time limit, switch to the 5K Run-Walk instead.

On race day what if I feel I cannot run the 10 miles?

You can line up with the 5k participants on race day. Refer to your poster map and show that the 5k starts on Independence Ave, past 15th Street. Be prepared to point in the correct direction

I want to move to a different corral? You can't move up to a faster corral but you can move back.

How do I know which corral I am in? It is the color of your bib! The corrals/wave will start at 3-5 minute intervals.

Should I have gotten a chip to run? Both the 5K and the Ten Mile Run will be scored using the B-Tag. When you pick up your packet at the Health and Fitness Expo, you will receive a bib number with the B-tag attached. The B-tag remains on the back of your number. Do not remove it.

Where are the water stops? There are 8 water stations, almost every mile after the first 2 miles. In the info binders that I have prepared for you, will be a listing of all of the water locations along with emergency aid locations.

Where does the 5k start? Refer to your poster map and show that the 5k starts on Independence Ave, past 15th Street. Be prepared to point in the correct direction

Are you recycling running shoes? Yes, you may drop off running shoes at the Information booth/tent (here!) You can learn more about our Environmental and greening efforts here:

Where is the best place for me to watch the race? Spectators can get a good view of runners by lining 15th St. You will see the runners as they approach the finish line.