Rush of the Irish

Hit the beach in Lincoln City for the Lucky Leprechaun 5K

Have you always wanted to enter a running race, but thought there were too many hurdles? If those hurdles were cost, fear of competition or perceived lack of fitness, the Lucky Leprechaun 5K, this Saturday, March 16, is your event.

The out and back run/walk, on the beach near Chinook Winds Casino Resort, takes place on firm sand and is pet-friendly.

The event is the first in the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department’s 5K Race Series, which includes the Ocean’s Edge in the summer and Spooky Stroll in the fall.

“Our main goal is to create family-friendly, inclusive events,” Director Jeanne Sprague said. “That is why we did what we could to remove barriers to get as many people as possible to participate.”

Cost-cutting measures include no chip-timing or finishers’ medals, which softens the competitive nature of the races, a deterrent to some.

“We’ll have a giant clock so people can see what their own time is,” Sprague said. “We want people to compete with themselves or just get out there and run or walk and even get out there with a dog or a stroller.”

Participants needn’t go home empty handed, though.

“There will be a raffle with prizes from our sponsor Chinook Winds,” Sprague said, “and we will also be selling t-shirts that will have the race series logo on it.”

The shirts will be gender neutral, made of a soft tri-blend and come in both long- and short-sleeve options.

Each race is $10, or sign up for the whole series for $30, less than the cost of most single races. Those who register for all three races will also score a special water bottle.

“One of our big mission statements is health and wellness in the community," Recreation Supervisor Teri O'Malley said. “This way you can bring the whole clan out and not break the bank.”

The Lucky Leprechaun 5K begins at 10 am next to Chinook Winds Casino Resort at NW 40th Street in Lincoln City. Day-of-race registration opens at 9 am. For more information and registration, go to lincolncity.org.

5K Race Series Schedule

Lucky Leprechaun: March 16

Ocean’s Edge: July 13

Spooky Stroll: Oct. 26