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Run like you’re Irish

3/16/2016

There’s nothing like nice weather to get your motivation going. If that doesn’t work, a cold, refreshing craft beer tends to help get you out of the house.

The O’Des Moines Irish Run 5K will take place on this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League at Water Works Park.

The O’Des Moines Irish Run 5K will take place on this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League at Water Works Park.

The O’Des Moines Irish Run on March 19 supports Above+Beyond Cancer, a public charity with a mission to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world. This is the first year of the O’Des Moines Irish Run.

“Coming out of winter, there’s room on the Des Moines Area Race Calendar for a St. Patrick’s Day-themed race,” said Terry O’Connell, race director. “We wanted to avoid getting too close to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick run in the beginning of April. We are mid-March, so that seemed OK. We also wanted to offer something different.”

While O’Des Moines Irish Run isn’t the only St. Patrick’s Day race taking place around Des Moines, it is one of the few being held in the evening rather than the morning.

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“O’Des Moines is an evening 5K, and we’re taking advantage of the evening time slot by offering live music, beer and wine, as well as whiskey shots,” O’Connell said. “We’ll have Irish Chili — meat and meatless options — along with artesian breads and coffee.

“It’s NCAA night, and the Izaak Walton facility has big screen TVs, too.”

Be sure you’re decked out in green from head to toe. The only thing worse than trying to run when you’re not motivated is trying to run while “friends” are pinching you.

“This run is geared for fun,” O’Connell said. “Along with music, food and drink, everyone gets an O’Des Moines Irish Run fleece jacket. The top three finishers in each age group — male and female — receive a special O’Des Moines Irish Run pint glass.”

The run will be held in Water Works Park. O’Connell said the Izaak Walton facility was a big factor in securing their race route.

“A cold night outside would make people want to go home early,” said O’Connell. “After the race, we want people to be able hang out, have something to eat and drink and enjoy each other, the music and game.”

The event will be professionally timed by The End Result Company. Ultimately, it’s an easy-going, flat race that’ll leave you feeling good and ready to party with friends and strangers alike. Get your Irish on this Saturday and keep the celebration of St. Patrick going all through the weekend.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy one another so much they can’t wait to come back next year,” said O’Connell. CV

O’Des Moines Irish Run 5K

Saturday, March 19 at 6 p.m.
Izaak Walton League at Water Works Park
$39.99 Registration (includes jacket)
$25 Registration (does not include jacket)
Registration is open until Saturday until 5:30 p.m. at Izaak Walton League.

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