The Washington Running Club (WRC) is returning to compete in the Running Club division of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom (CUCB) Ten Mile Run on April 1, 2012.

In the women’s open division, WRC’s Secretary of Racing Activities, Emily Buzzell, will be joined by her teammates Laura Jennings and Michaela Corr.

In the men’s open division, WRC has a motley crew of ordinary men, extraordinary dojo-ists, and immortal masters racing under the monikers “WRC + Dojo” and “WRC: Dudes”. Leading them both will be Shawn Rumery, who projects himself finishing Sunday’s race in around 54 minutes, on the basis of his excellent 1:13:52 at last November’s Philadelphia Half Marathon. Chasing after him are Drew Killian, Kirk Masterson, Kit Wells, Geoff King, Gareth Coville, Brian Savitch, James Scarborough, Rick Kennedy, and il presidente John Kendra. A list of bib numbers for WRC’s racers is now available.

RACE DAY LOGISTICS 

All WRC team members and their supporters are encouraged to rally both pre- and post-race on the lawn South of the bag check and East of the Washington Monument, a spot that lies in the lee of the forecast’s NNW winds (but hopefully not downwind of the Porta Johns). Key times to bear in mind on Sunday include: Bag Check starts 6:05 a.m., Sunrise 6:53 a.m., Bag Check ends 7:10 a.m., Ten Mile Start 7:30 a.m.

WRC HISTORICAL TIMES TO BEAT

With three teams comprising 14 athletes, WRC stands to improve upon its existing record at this prestigious event, including 19 teams scoring among the open men’s, open women’s, and masters men’s divisions. Highlights from the recent past include finishes by WRC as high as 4th place among open men (1999, 2000, 2005) and as fast as 2:47:27 (1999), and 1st place among open women (2009, 2003) and as fast as 3:03:08 (1999).

As always, WRC members that are not racing on Sunday will meet on the 3300 Block of M Street, NW at 8:00 a.m. for a long run, ranging from 8 to 20 miles, followed by refreshments at Dean & Deluca. All are welcome to join.