blossom banter is your behind the scenes look at all the CUCB 10-Miler, 5K, Double Blossom, and Kids Run - the races that make up the Runner’s Rite of Spring!
we dive into the people, stories, traditions, and community that make CUCB DC’s best race weekend. join us as we learn all about how the race has been built up from the very first cherry blossom run on Hains Point, and what makes it such a special event!
blossom banter
your hosts
Carlos aka "Los" is a lifelong runner. He began running at 5 years old, coached by his runner father. He went on to run cross country and track in high school and was a two time Arizona cross country state champion. After a short hiatus, Los rediscovered his passion for running after joining the Navy and began an obsession with marathon running. When he moved to DC he fell in love with the running community and immediately became involved by joining the Nike Run Club as a Pacer. It was here that he would meet the woman who would become his wife, Kerri. In short, the DC running community has given Los a lot and he loves giving back to the community that has become like a family to him.
While running is still a major part of his life, today you are more likely to find Los behind a camera. A self-taught photographer and videographer, he enjoys creating and telling stories. He has made it his goal to highlight the D.C. running community and specifically the close knit bonds that have been formed within the fitness community and The District. So, if you happen to find yourself in front of his camera, give him a wave, a thumbs up, or a smile.
Carlos Bonnett-Castillo
@aka_los
A proud DMV native, Jared grew up with a soccer ball at his feet but no interest in running. In 2021, he connected with the local running community and everything changed. He made lifelong friends in Northeast Track Club that shared his passion for community, running and adventure. He was inspired to run the JFK 50 Miler and complete The Speed Project twice - running from LA to Las Vegas and again from Chamonix to Marseille, France. These days, he serves as a Community Organizer for the CUCB Race Committee, which allows him to give back to the community that has given him so much in return.
Outside of running, you can find Jared singing with his bands Capital Rats and Lorenzo & Co. A fan of soccer, music and the great outdoors, Jared resides in DC with his better half, Ashley, and their marauding cats, Boo & Caspie.
Jared McGrath
@jrdmcgrth
Sharon spent most of her life uncomfortable with running and avoiding it at all costs. It wasn’t until she started taking Orangetheory Fitness classes at age 30 that she even ran her first full mile. She quickly fell in love with the feeling of accomplishment that came with conquering a new challenge, and running was the next big test to take on. Sharon started running with Every Person Run Club in early 2023, and the community is what kept her coming back.
Now, a full 180 from where she started, Sharon is hooked on running. Most recently, she ran her first full marathon in Athens, Greece. In 2025, Sharon ran The Speed Project France from Chamonix to Marseille, and in 2026 will take on her second TSP running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Sharon is a captain and run guide for EPRC and a member of the Social Media Team on the CUCB Race Committee.
When she’s not running, you can catch Sharon cheering on the Caps and the Nats with her husband Daniel, knitting or crocheting, and volunteering as an adoption coordinator with Beagle Rescue Education and Welfare. And of course, you can still catch her under the orange lights at OTF.
Sharon Schwei
@sharbear914

