Credit Union Cherry Blossom Event Director Phil Stewart to Retire

Phil Stewart is stepping down as Event Director of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom after 35 years leading the race. He'll direct the event one final time on April 11-12 before handing off to Assistant Event Director Rob Wolfe, who takes over officially on July 1.

Stewart came to the job the way a lot of people find their way into race management: through running. He finished 5th and 6th at the Cherry Blossom in 1975 and 1977, eventually joined the organizing committee as a volunteer announcer, and became solo Event Director in 1991. At that point, the race had 3,327 finishers. It now draws more than 20,000 for the 10 Mile alone, plus another 8,000 for the 5K.

Wolfe is no stranger to the event. He's been on the organizing committee since 2008, has held roles ranging from Corrals Coordinator to Start-Finish Director, and is a DC Road Runners Hall of Fame inductee. He's also a finisher of more than 80 marathons, which doesn't hurt.

The 2026 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K take place April 11-12. More at cherryblossom.org.