Bag Check Information

We have a new system for our bag check operation at both the 5K and the 10 Mile in 2025, so be sure to read this carefully so you will know exactly where to drop your bag and where to pick it up!

NOTE: All of the instructions about Bag Check apply both to the Bag Check at the 5K and the 10 Mile – we are using the same Bag Check procedures for both races.

Don’t Like to Read? Just Click on Our Bag Check Video at right for all you need to know!

Step 1: Get Your Bag Check Bag! When you pick up your packet at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, April 4 or Saturday, April 5, or at the 5K Staging Area on Freedom Plaza on Saturday, April 5, you will receive a clear plastic Bag Check bag that you must use for Bag Check. If you are running the Double Blossom, this Bag Check bag must be used for bag check at both races, so save it if you plan to use the bag check at both the 5K and the 10 Mile. No Exceptions!

Step 2: Determine Your Bag Check Line! Your bib number that you receive at Packet Pickup has your Bag Check Line and Bag Check Space printed on it in the top right corner and in the bottom right corner of your bib number. Click Here to see exactly where on your bib you can find this information.

Step 3: Go to Bag Check at the 5K or 10 Mile and Get in the Bag Check Line Printed on Your Bib.

10 Mile: The bag check tents will be located in the staging area on the Washington Monument Grounds. They are in the infield between 15th and 17th Sts. Click Here for a 2025 map showing the exact location.

5K: The bag check tents will be located in the staging area at Freedom Plaza. You will find them on the E St. side of Freedom Plaza between 13th St and 14th St (closer to 13th St). Bag Check is across the street from the National Theater. Click here for a 2025 map showing the exact location. 

Step 4: Tear off the perforated Bag Check Coupon and thread one of the bag’s straps through the hole in the Coupon. Then tie the bag’s straps together to make your bag’s contents secure. Hand the Bag Check Bag to a volunteer in your Bag Check Line.

Step 5: Run the Race! Have a great time!

Step 6: Enjoy Refreshments in the Finish Area, Collect Your Medal if you Ordered One, and Return to the Bag Check Line Where You Dropped Your Bag! Can’t remember the number of your bag check line? Just look at the lower right corner of the bib you are wearing on your front. The Bag Check Line will be printed there.

Bag Check Opening Times

10 Mile Bag Check Opens at 6:15 A.M.
5K Bag Check Opens at 7:15 A.M.

Please understand that any items left at bag check are left at your own risk. The race assumes no liability for lost bags or the contents of lost bags. Unclaimed bags will be returned to the race office, held for 10 days and then disposed of. Under no circumstances should any items of value be left in bag check bags.

Please Be Aware:

• All checked items must fit in the clear plastic bag and be visible.
• We cannot accept backpacks or backpack-like items or large items.
• Your belongings are checked at your own risk. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom race and race sponsors are not responsible for damaged, lost and/or stolen items.
• Please do not leave valuables.
• Unclaimed bags will be returned to the race office and held for 30 days before being donated or discarded.

Ten-Mile Bag Check:
Location: Infield between 15th and 17th Sts.
Opens at: 6:15 a.m.
Race Starts at: 7:30 a.m.
Bag Check Closes at: 11:00 a.m.

5k Bag Check:
Location: E St. side of Freedom Plaza between 13th St and 14th St (closer to 13th St).
Opens at: 7:15 a.m.
Race starts at: 9:15 a.m.