Stumpy the Cherry Tree Celebrated Through the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Events

The organizers of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom are excited to announce 2024 as the “Year of Stumpy” by highlighting the cherry tree that has won countless Tidal Basin visitors and internet hearts in recent years.

Heralded for resiliency, Stumpy garnered fans after a picture was shared of the tree struggling with the water from the flooding tides of the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. Although not as tall and awash in blossoms as his brethren cherry trees, Stumpy continues to live and bloom each Cherry Blossom season, even providing a picturesque frame for the notable Washington Monument. 

“Runners face challenges each year, through training and life, but still continue to adapt and accomplish goals year after year,” says Event Director Phil Stewart. “Like them, Stumpy faces adversity and still blooms beautifully despite obstacles out of its control.”

The 51^st running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K will take place on the weekend of April 6-7 and is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Saturday’s events will include the 5K presented by ASICS and the Kids Run starting at Freedom Plaza. Sunday’s 10 Mile will serve as the USA Track & Field Men’s and Women’s National 10 Mile Championship for the second year in a row. Hillary Bor set a new American 10 Mile record of 46:11 last spring, breaking by two seconds the 40-year-old record that was set at this event back in 1983.

Entries to both the 10 Mile and 5K are closed, but spectators are encouraged to come out and watch 7,000 5K runners at 9:15 am and 500 kids at 11:00 am on Saturday and 17,000 10 Mile participants at 7:18 am on Sunday. These fields will be headed by top international and American runners competing for nearly $100,000 in prize money in the Washington, DC area’s only event featuring a significant prize purse and international renown.

Thanks to Credit Union Miracle Day’s title sponsorship since 2002, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom has raised over $11 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including $450,000 in 2023.