[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 60 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TEN MILE RUN

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on April 7, 
2002. Fifty-eight credit unions, credit union associations, and credit 
union leagues sponsored this Washington, DC institution, which 
coincides with the annual spring rites of the tidal basin cherry 
blossoms. This is the first year that Credit Unions have sponsored the 
race.
  I want to commend the over 7,032 finishers, and especially the over 
3,500 registered runners who were member of credit unions. A special 
congratulations to Public Health Service Federal Credit Union for 
winning the credit union team competition. Additionally, I am proud of 
350 plus credit union employees who arrived at the race in the chilly, 
pre-dawn hours to serve as volunteers helping administer the race. It 
was also great to see Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy 
Thompson participate.
  The Cherry Blossom Run has taken place during the spring blooming of 
Washington's historic cherry trees for 30 years. Starting out as a 
small family event with 141 finishers it is now a world-class event 
that includes some of the world's foremost long distance runners. I 
want to congratulate this year's winners: Men's, Rueben Cheruiyot, 
47:12; Women's, Luminita Talpos, 52:50.
  This year, in conjunction with the race, credit unions raised over 
$60,000 for the Children's Miracle Network and donations are still 
being collected. This was a great event and credit unions should be 
proud of the role they played. Washingtonians and runners around the 
world are looking forward to the 2003 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 
Mile run.

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