THE 29TH F5 ST. PATRICK’S DAY DASH IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY MARCH 17, 2013

 Run, Walk, Jog or Crawl! To Celebrate the Arrival of Spring and the Irish in us all!

It began 28 years ago as a race between bars and as a training event for an Irish Olympian. Now it’s Seattle’s largest single-distance run/walk, jog or crawl where the winners cross the finish before the last person starts. The Dash covers nearly 4 miles of city streets with a 17,000 person ribbon of green.

The F5 St. Patrick’s Day Dash benefits the Detlef Schrempf Foundation in support of Northwest children’s charities. We are directing funds to four worthy Northwest children’s organizations: Camp Fire USA Puget Sound Council, Seattle Children’s Autism Center, Rise n’ Shine, and the Healing Center.

The F5 St. Patrick’s Day Dash is a family event with something for everyone. There are young athletes racing to be the first across the Finish Line, and the middle-age, former jocks racing to be the first in the beer garden. The Dash is filled with plenty of people who started as kids, Dashing down the Viaduct to the Kingdome. They’re still running or walking with mom or dad, and, now, are pushing strollers as part of three generations of St. Patrick’s Day Dash participants. To continue interest by young Dashers, we start the morning with the Leprechaun Lap for wee lads and lassies (10 & under).

If you haven’t been to the St. Patrick’s Day Dash before you’ll see a diverse group of participants. Don’t be surprised if you’re passed by a human pot of gold, a 6ft 3in leprechaun, a 4-pack of Guinness cans or a grown man in a tutu. With all of the costumes, it’s like a spring version of Halloween.

The course has changed over the years from a Dash down the viaduct between Jake O'Shaughnessy'sand FX McRory’s to an out-and-back route under the shadow of the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Runners and walkers have plenty of opportunity to see the field and high-five friends along Highway 99 on the way to and from the Aurora Bridge.

Here are three things you can do to make the your St. Patrick’s Day Dash experience special:

1.) Sign up with a friend who hasn’t Dashed with us before. They’ll thank you for a great time.

2.) Dress like you want to win the Best Wearin’ of the Green, or Most Outrageous Costume.

3.) Find out more about our partner childrens’ charities, and volunteer or contribute to those organizations.

As with any year, we couldn’t do it without our great sponsors and partners. Thank you to F5 Networks, Redhook, Brooks and Clear Channel Radio for continuing their great support of the Dash.

Check back on stpatsdash.com, and stay tuned to Facebook for upcoming dates of interest and exciting promotions leading up to the 17th of March!

Join the Party!