Every March, at least 495 legitimate, measured and timed road races, all with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, bring runners as varied as the beer they’ll drink later to starting lines across the U.S. to run in the name of the Irish. From East coast to West coast, St Paddys Day is celebrated through running, these races are as important to community celebrations as the parades down Main Street.
While the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the United States, held in New Haven, Conn. on March 17, 1842, probably didn’t feature a 5K, sponsored by Guinness of course, as a preshow activity, we owe a debt of gratitude to community parades for opening the door to the hundreds of races that have become synonymous with the holiday.
About 35 years ago, local non-profits recognized a chance to cash in on the new popularity of road racing and already blocked city roads and, thus, shamrock runs were born. As most people appreciate an opportunity to don green knee socks and enjoy a complimentary beer at 7:30 a.m., these races took off like pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. Today you can throw a stone and find an excuse to toast Saint Patrick at a water stop around March 17 – green beer optional.
Some of my favorite running memories are from the annual Dash Down Greenville in Dallas. I’ve dashed a PR. I’ve dashed at a hair over a snail’s pace and I’ve dashed everything in between. The pace never matters though, because in the sea of more than 5,000 runners nobody cares to overtake anyone, and everyone is trying to get to the post party. It’s a glorious run filled with leprechaun costumes and plenty of hijinks from the college kids.
If your run has become stale, may I suggest a St. Paddy’s Day run near you to refresh the soul. The air will be crisp and the palpable excitement will carry you over the miles – you’ll feel like a Kenyan. And the green beer is pretty good too. Sláinte, y’all!
Be Noble, Follow the Rainbow & Pub Run on St. Patrick’s Day.
Tis time to dust off your green running shoes and shamrocks because the third thirstiest Thursday on March 17th is St Patrick’s Day! Everyone is Irish on this day, just wear green.
It will be the noblest of all pub runs as we take over Noble Rey Brewing in the coolest of all locations in the design district, while there may not be green beer, there will be a fun celebration of running and all things Irish.
St. Patrick was said to have used the shamrock, a three (3) leafed plant when he was explaining the holy trinity to pagan Irish people. So to honor his memory on this holiday that celebrates his life, pub runners will run or walk 3 miles on the ‘Trinity’ Strand trail.
There will be plenty of pints o' gold at the end of the trail! Join the St. Paddy's Pub Run at Noble Rey Brewing Co. - Design District! And, there’s nothing more Irish than being with like-minded friends and sharing some brews, so the first pint o' golden suds is on us.
The featured specialty brew is ‘Golden Rey’ with Raspberries and Ginger or select one from any standard brew on tap. Why wait for the weekend to go Irish , when the party will get started early (and on the actual holiday). Your friends will be green with envy. Pre-register for $10 at www.pubruns.com
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