If you, like me, think the best joke ever involves a pirate and a steering wheel, you will want to sign up for the ARRRR! Run Your Booty Off 5k, scheduled for Saturday, January 31 in Albany. Participants are encouraged to dress up in pirate garb … whether you want to match your “puffy shirt” (Seinfeld fans know what this means), eye patch, and bandana with a parrot or a cardboard sword is up to you.
All of the proceeds from the race will go right towards fundraising for the West Albany Girls Lacrosse program. I actually competed in the inaugural event and had this to say:
The race was very small (almost 40 runners), but the atmosphere was warm even despite the temperatures. Pre-race music was pounding out and large space heaters were being used to avoid hypothermia. Many large races don’t even have heaters, so I was impressed with this little unexpected surprise. The race director (and West Albany High School girls lacrosse coach), a self-admitted newbie to putting on running events, was working hard to provide all runners with the best experience possible.
The route starts out on Takena St. and runs north to 7th Ave, then over to Calapooia Street. You’ll have time to figure out how to say that as you head north again towards the Calapooia River’s confluence with the Willamette, before a few turns that will bring you up on Water Ave and then to a right turn to head south to Broadalbin Street. At 4th Ave you’ll bounce over to Ferry Street and down to 11th, then a left on Elm, a right on Queen … and back to the finish.
This race will be laid back (not chip-timed), family friendly, and a little silly … the perfect venue for the Girls Lacrosse Team to get to know the community. So whether you are just looking for a fun 5k, or a way to get the whole family moving, this might be just what you need. And what better way to show your kids how kids just a little older than them can work hard to create a race?
After the race, you can enjoy some healthy snacks and hot cocoa, and you might even win an award if you’ve got one of the best pirate costumes!
The vitals:
When: Saturday, January 31, 2015
What time: 9a
Where: West Albany High School Stadium
Register: Online for $20 ; $25 DOR
