Pace Groups: Find Your People, Chase Your Goal!

So, you’ve signed up to run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile or Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K Presented by ASICS—or maybe both races — nice move! Whether you’re gunning for a personal best or just hoping to avoid the post-race “I should’ve trained more” regret, our official Pace Groups are here to help you cross the finish line smiling (or at least not collapsing).

Joining a Pace Group is like having a built-in running buddy, except this buddy is a super-fit, distance-running machine who can keep a steady pace without breaking a sweat (we’re not jealous, you are). Plus, it’s totally free!

How Do Pace Groups Work?

Simple. Each Pace Group has a leader — a cheerful, experienced runner with superhero-level pacing skills — who will hold a sign with a set pace-per-mile. All you have to do is:

1. Find the person with your desired pace sign in your starting corral.
2. Introduce yourself (or don’t — we get it, pre-race nerves).
3. Stick with them like they’re your best friend holding the last slice of pizza.
4. Cross the finish line right around your goal time.

Our pacers know the course like yesterday’s news, and they’ll do their best to keep the group motivated, entertained, and on track. You might even get a few dad jokes along the way — no extra charge.

5K Pace Groups

Here’s what we’re offering for the 5K:

If you’re aiming for a specific finish time, find the pacer in your assigned corral that matches your goal. If your goal is “survive and finish,” we respect that too.

10 Mile Pace Groups

Ah yes, the iconic Rite of Spring, the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile! If you’re tackling the full 10 miles, we’ve got pace groups that range from blazing fast to let’s just get through this in one piece.

*Pro tip: Stick with the pacer in your assigned corral. If you signed up hoping to run an 11:00 pace and you’re in the Green corral, find the 11:00 pacer there. If you’re in Purple, there will be an 11:00 pacer there too. Don’t stress — we’ve got you covered.

Where Do I Find My Pace Group on Race Day?

Look for the fit and friendly human holding a sign with your desired pace near your corral. Get there by 7:00 AM for the 10 Mile, 7:30 for the 5K so you have time to chat, strategize, or just awkwardly stare at your shoelaces until the gun goes off.

Will We Start Exactly on Pace?

Sort of. With 17,000 runners in the 10 Mile and 8,000 in the 5K, the first mile might feel like you’re in a very slow stampede. But don’t panic — your pacer is a pro at adjusting and will work the pace back to goal time as the crowd thins. Trust them like you’d trust someone holding your phone with no case.

What About Water Stations?

Good news — we’re not trying to dehydrate you. Your pacer will slow down through Water-Gatorade stations to make sure you can grab a drink without performing a stunt fall. Drink up, stay strong, look for your pacer’s flag and keep moving.

Final Thought:

Running with a Pace Group is like getting a personal coach and instant friends, all for free. Whether you’re trying to PR, finish without collapsing, or just enjoy the scenery, we’ve got a group for you.

So find your people, chase your goal, and don’t be surprised if your pacer sneaks in a few running puns along the way. After all…

“Why do all the best runners avoid jogging? Because it’s a running joke.”