St Patrick’s Day themed races are a great way to get motivated to get back to running if the winter weather has derailed your routine. The Salem Paddy Pint 5k falls on March 17th this year, and it is a fundraiser for the Dental Foundation of Oregon and their Tooth Taxi, which provides children in our local community with free dental care and oral health education.
The race starts and ends at the pavilion at Riverfront Park. The kids dash is first, with a quick loop around the start area at 9:50am. After that, around 10am, the 5k and 10k start together. Runners and walkers first head north along the river, then take the pedestrian bridge across into Wallace Marine Park and loop back the way they came towards the finish. At that point, 5k participants cross the finish line, while 10k runners continue south and cross the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge to run a loop on Minto Island before returning back to the start/finish area. When I (and Matt) ran this event last year, the bridge to Minto Island wasn’t completed yet, and it’s exciting that it’s possible to add a 10k to the race without making it a double-loop course.
After the race, stick around for food and drink from Sparky’s Brewing Company. Every participant will receive one drink ticket, which can be redeemed for a beer (if you’re over 21) or a non-alcoholic drink.
Salem Paddy Pint details:
When: Saturday, March 17th; 10am (kids dash at 9:50am)
Where: Riverfront Park, Salem (Map)
What: 10k, 5k, free kids dash
Registration: online here
Registration cost: 5k – $25, 10k – $30
Registration includes: Chip timed race, long sleeved event shirt, post-race food and drink by Sparky’s Brewing Company.
Packet pick up:Friday, March 16th, 2-6pm at Gallagher Fitness Resources’ downtown location. Day of the race from 8:30- 9:40am
