Kenyans John Korir and Reuben Cheruiyot, who, between them, have won the last three editions of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom, resume their longstanding rivalry and are the favorites for the 31st running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile on Sunday, April 6.

Cheruiyot was the winner in both 2000 and 2002, earning a five-second victory over Korir last year. Korir, who also finished third in 2000, edged Cheruiyot by one second in the 2001 race, the closest finish in event history. However, several Kenyan teammates will contend, including Paul Koech, the world- record holder in the 10-mile (44:45) and 5th place finisher at the World Cross Country Championships 12K last weekend, who is making his first appearance here, and James Koskei, winner of three major road races in the United States last season. Simon Rono, the 1998 champion with one of the fastest times on the course ever (45:51), has been added to the field as well.

On the women's side, defending champion Luminita Talpos of Romania has been forced to withdraw due to problems obtaining a visa from her home country of Romania. This makes the women's top seeds American Sylvia Mosqueda (photo left), third last year, and Asha Gigi of Ethiopia who finished 11th place at the 2003 World Cross Country Meet.

The elite runners are in pursuit of the $5,250 awarded to the winner of both the men's and women's races. A total of $29,500 in prize money--the largest amount ever--is up for grabs among some of the world's top distance runners. Past champions in the Cherry Blossom have been Olympic medallists, world champions, and world record-holders.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom is part of the PRRO circuit, a four-race series culminating in the PRRO Race of Champions held at the Peachtree Road Race 10K in Atlanta on July 4, 2003. The top local male and female runners will earn a trip to Atlanta for that race.

In addition, marathon legend Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons as well as four-time titlist here, will vie for top honors in the 55-59 age group this year. Bethesda's Ben Beach, 53, anticipates extending his streak of consecutive Cherry Blossom races. Beach is the only runner to appear in all 31 races.

Four members of Congress are expected to toe the line in the race, Senator Majority Leader Bill Frist and Senator Max Baucus, and Representatives Bart Gordon and Tim Ryan. Senate and House teams resume their spirited annual team competition as part of the overall team competition featuring corporate, government and running club teams.

This year's charity recipient is the Children's Miracle Network, which will receive a $165,000 donation, a $100,000 increase over last year. The event also is underwriting two $4,000 grants for up-and-coming U.S. distance runners through the RRCA's Roads Scholars.

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., a partnership of Credit Union's and affiliated organizations, is the title sponsor for the second year. More than 350 Credit Union employees have volunteered for the event and 3500 runners in the field are Credit Union members.

Supporting sponsors include, Gatorade, Gryphon Technologies, and Metro Run & Walk. The race's contributing sponsor is Fitness Image Results.

Additional volunteers are needed to conduct the race. Individuals or groups wishing to see the action up close may sign on to the race Web site, or call the race hotline, (301) 320-3350.

Entries for the 10-mile race are closed, but runners may participate in the 5K Fun Run, and children 12-and-under may sign up for the Kids 1K Run on race day. No advance registration is required, just show up in West Potomac Park by 7:15, a.m., sign up, and run. There is no entry fee for these events.

Although the National Park Service has indicated that the race will go forward as planned, organizers are putting the final touches on a contingency plan to stage the event in Poolesville, MD in the event of circumstances that would result in the permit being revoked. Under such a scenario details would be posted on the race Web site. The course would begin at the intersection of Hughes Rd. and Tom Fox Dr., head south on Hughes Rd. to River Road. South on River Road to a turn-around prior to Partnership Road. The runners would return on River Rd., make a right on Hughes and finish near the Fifth Chuker Polo Field. "There is nothing we have heard to make us even remotely consider that the status of the race in West Potomac Park will be changed," said Event Director Phil Stewart. "Nevertheless, we feel it is best to have a standby plan."

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run is part of the 2003 National Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place from March 21 to April 6.