The organizers of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run are confident that the event will take place as scheduled on Sunday, April 6, 2003, despite the initiation of war with Iraq. We have received no notification from the National Park Service or other municipal officials to the contrary.

While we fully appreciate that security concerns can change on a moment's notice in response to events both at home and abroad, at the current time we feel it is appropriate, in fact positive, that the race be held as planned. We are an important contributor to the local economy which can ill afford more cancellations, a longtime spring celebratory and sporting event, and a contributor of $150,000 to the Children's Miracle Network.

We will, of course, immediately convey any updates we receive from authorities both on the race web site and via e-mail.