Meet the 2027 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Race Ambassadors!

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile selected four runners to be the 2027 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Race Ambassadors Team. These individuals will spend the next few months telling the world all about their race experiences on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and their blogs. Our Race Ambassadors get free entry into the race, apparel from our race sponsors, and invites to all of our VIP events. We will be selecting CUCB 2028 Ambassadors after the 2027 race - applications will open in August 2026! 

Shakei Haynes

Shakei Haynes is a DMV-based endurance athlete, community advocate, and proud Howard University alumnus who believes some of the most meaningful miles are the ones that bring people together. Running became something deeper for Shakei as he navigated grief, personal growth, and the need for space to heal. What began as movement became a source of discipline, clarity, connection, and eventually, community.

Today, Shakei has found a home in the DMV running community through Northeast Track Club, where early mornings, workouts, long runs, race weekends, and countless miles have reinforced one of his favorite lessons about the sport: running may be individual, but you never have to do it alone. His journey has taken him across the country, including races such as the Credit Union Cherry Blossom, Gasparilla Distance Classic, United Airlines NYC Half, RBC Brooklyn Half, and Falmouth Road Race. Each starting line has become part of a larger story about discovering what he is capable of while building relationships with the people and communities that make running so special.

In 2026, Shakei is taking on his biggest running challenge yet: his first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon, while raising funds and awareness for NAMI-NYC. The journey reflects a cause deeply meaningful to him and his passion for creating more honest conversations around mental health, grief, wellness, and the ways movement can help us heal. 

Away from the starting line, Shakei is a nonprofit leader committed to public service and community development. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., bringing that same spirit of service, leadership, and community into the running spaces he occupies. Whether he is racing, training with his crew, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, or encouraging someone to believe they can run their first race, Shakei wants people to experience running as more than pace and finish times. For him, it is about discipline, culture, healing, and belonging. His philosophy is simple: the miles may bring us to the starting line, but the people we meet along the way are what make the journey worth it.

Follow Shakei on Instagram @TheSuperKei.

Katy Murray

Katy Murray is a working mom, leader, and everyday runner who believes running is about so much more than miles. For her, it’s about confidence, community, making time for herself, and showing up even when life is busy or motivation is nowhere to be found.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom has become a special part of Katy’s running journey. She has experienced the event as both a runner and a volunteer, and last year, she ran the 10 Mile for the first time with her brother and sister-in-law, who flew in from the West Coast to run it with her. What could have simply been a race turned into an unforgettable weekend filled with family, fun, and the incredible energy that makes Cherry Blossom so special.

As a working mom and leader, Katy knows what it’s like to squeeze a run into an already-full day, celebrate the small wins, and sometimes simply be proud that she got out the door. Running has become an important part of how she takes care of herself, and she’s found that the lessons she learns on the road often follow her into her career, leadership, and life. Learning to keep showing up, trust the process, work through hard days, and celebrate progress has helped her become a better leader, mom, and version of herself.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Katy now calls the Northern Virginia area home. When she’s not working or running, she hosts a leadership podcast, volunteers in her community, and loves being creative. She shares her home with her family, two cats, and two dogs, and is always up for finding a reason to laugh, try something new, or get outside.

Follow Katy in Instagram @GingerBiz.

Rachelle Robinson 

Rachelle, also known as Rae, is a self-proclaimed “non-runner” who started running as a way to hold herself accountable, which then turned into a passion for inspiring others while finding herself again through all of the miles, joy, tears, and mental challenges that running has to offer.

Rae embarked on a weight-loss journey in 2024 and has lost over 100 pounds since then. Running not only provides her with an emotional outlet, but it has also helped her prove to herself and others that you can do hard things. From starting with her first mile to running her first half marathon this past year, running has become a regular part of her life. Sharing her journey and meeting all of the amazing, inspiring people along the way has been the best part of this journey!

As a busy working mom of three and a bonus child (her dog, Ivy), Rae believes that everyone – regardless of their fitness background, size, or shape – can pursue their fitness goals and achieve their own accomplishments while taking care of all of their other obligations. She believes that taking care of yourself should always come first. She wants to continue inspiring others to go after their goals and have fun along the way. 

After running her first CUCB 10 Mile last year, she is most excited to be a CUCB Ambassador and continue her training journey while participating in all of the fun festivities CUCB has to offer!

Follow Rae on Instagram @its_raeeeeee_.

Lee Storrow

Lee has been a casual runner since college, but didn't fully commit to the sport until 2019, when he signed up for his first marathon. His first marathon was a "virtual" one due to COVID restrictions, but he had a blast running through Chapel Hill and Carrboro, NC, running with a couple of his friends who joined for segments, and stopping in friend's front yards for water stops and cheer stations along the way. Since then, he's completed a total of seven marathons, including Chicago last year. 

In DC, he's a committed member of DC Front Runners, one of the largest LGBTQ+ running clubs on the East Coast. Lee has spent the last two years on the board leading outreach, and this fall he's stepping into the role of lead coordinator. He's also a dues-paying member of NYC Front Runners and active with the Silver Spring Run Club. Lee rides hard for Cherry Blossom weekend. He's run at least one of the races for the last three years (Double Blossom last year!), organizes a pasta dinner with his run club, and has been an active volunteer. 

Professionally, Lee's worked in the field of HIV and harm reduction policy for more than a decade. Originally from North Carolina, Lee now lives in Washington, DC with his boyfriend Chris and their rescue dog Rocky. He's a graduate of the University of North Carolina, and passionate about the Academy Awards. 

Follow Lee on Instagram at @LeeStorrow.