Race Preview: 5th Annual St Patrick’s Day Dash in Bend

Have you ever wondered if the people in Ireland watch on TV as we crazy Americans participate in running races, all while donning gaudy costumes dressed as leprechauns, and think to themselves, "why don't they just skip right to the beer drinking?" Honestly, the St. Pats Dash in Bend is a blast, as they shut Bend down and run you right through downtown, past Drake park, out along the river, wind you through the Old Mill and finish right next to the amphitheater, all while wearing your best green suit!!

This was my first race 4 years ago and I still have fond memories of doing a 5 mile warm up run with Max King and Mario Mendoza before they raced off to finish 1,2….both with times under 15 minutes. Yours truly finished 12th and felt good about it, especially since my wife and kids were waiting at the finish cheering me on. The family atmosphere of this run is really what it’s all about and it makes it a great early season staple.

When: Saturday, March 14th starting at 10:05am

Where: Downtown Bend, starting in front of Deschutes Brewery & Public House

Cost/Register: $32.50 ($37.50 after 2/28/15). Kids (12 and under) are $17.50. Register here

St. Patrick’s Day Dash – Mt. Bachelor Rotary from Richard Scott Nelson on Vimeo.