WASHINGTON-Credit unions had no trouble meeting the maximum number of entries permitted for the 32nd Annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run. Online registration opened Monday, Dec. 15 and closed by the morning of Thursday, Dec. 18, even though the entrants were increased from 6,500 to 8,500 this year. Last year's event filled in 17 days. Mail-in registrations were accepted slightly longer. The event raised $195,000 for Children's Miracle Network in 2003. Late last year, credit unions signed another three-year agreement as title sponsors for the 10-Miler. 2004 marks the third year credit unions have served as the title sponsors. Northwest Federal Credit Union CEO Juri Valdov, chairman of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., commented, "We are thrilled to be making a long-term commitment to the area's premier running event. We are especially excited about raising funds through the event for the Children's Miracle Network.This event truly epitomizes the `Credit Union Spirit' of people helping people and returning to the community." He added that more than 40 credit unions will compete in the team competition and nearly 500 credit union employees are signed up to volunteer on race day. The race will again wind through West Potomac Park and Rock Creek Parkway in Washington, D.C.