Cherry Blossom 10-Miler Features Record Breakers and Community Spirit

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The Runner's Rite of Spring kicked off Sunday morning with the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler. It happened just a day after the massive "Hands Off" protest along the National Mall. WUSA9 looked for signs of encouragement and found a lot more.

What’s the impact of a little sign? They can be quite a show of support. Sometimes, it’s more about the person holding the sign.

"Put your petals to the metal," Makenzie Kuhl wrote on her sign.

On a 10-mile run, a bit of encouragement can provide a lift for quite a distance.

"My son's name is Justin," Millie Byers shared.

Byers cheered for both her son and daughter, her sign was double-sided — each side had a different message.

On the front the sign read "Just In Time", the back of Byers' sign read "10 miles in style."

The Byers duo were part of 20,000 runners that took part in the race. Just a day earlier, the same area saw thousands of people participating in the "Hands Off" protest, however, Byers said this was about unity.

"I just think it’s the best of humanity, just a community event. All walks of life, all places, just to cheer, just to have some happiness, and a great cause."

Part of the proceeds from the race benefit the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Sunday morning brought cold and soupy weather, possibly ideal for running.

Taylor Roe set a women’s world record with a time of 49 minutes and 53 seconds. She told WUSA9 she wasn’t feeling great, but she knew she’d push through.

"I mean, I couldn’t have been feeling that bad. I’m just thankful," Roe said.

Charles Hicks won the men’s race in 45 minutes and 14 seconds.

"I just enjoyed every single mile of the race and tried to sink my teeth into the competition. It ended up being a really good day," Hicks noted.

The top finishers may have been too focused on their race to notice many signs. But for others, a sign that read "Run like Jalen Hurts is at the finish line" provided just the motivation needed to lighten the mood during the grueling run.

"If you run a 10-mile, anything could happen," Shayna joked.