Metro announced the rail system will open two hours early on Sunday, April 7, for the 2024 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile. The event, celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, is known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring” during cherry blossom season and draws more than 17,000 runners.
Per WMATA: Metro will operate normal service on all lines starting at 5 a.m. on race day, providing plenty of time for participants and spectators to make the 7:30 a.m. start time. The closest Metrorail station to the start and finish lines is Smithsonian Station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Customers should also consider using Federal Triangle nearby, which is also on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, or L’Enfant Plaza on the Green and Yellow lines just a short walk away to avoid crowding.
The early opening, approved under new guidelines issued last year, allows Metro to provide additional service without charge in partnership with large scale events expecting 10,000 or more attendees. The move to boost ridership and provide safe reliable Metrorail service aligns with Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan to support our customers, the communities we serve, and the region.