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St. Patrick’s Day-themed run raises money for Gig Harbor Senior Center
Looking for a way to extend your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and exercise away some of that Irish stew and Guinness at the same time?
The first Shamrock’n the Harbor family fun run and walk is Saturday, March 19, along the scenic Cushman Trail in Gig Harbor. The 5K/12K run is a fundraiser for the Gig Harbor Senior Center and is being put on by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.
The first-year event is already approaching $10,000 raised for the senior center, which reopened in summer 2021 following a 15-month, Covid-induced shutdown.
The senior center operates out of a temporary home at Peninsula Lutheran Church after its previous location, in the former Boys & Girls Club building on Skansie Avenue, was sold to Peninsula School District.
The senior center is still looking for a permanent home. The funds raised during the Shamrock’n event, however, aren’t for that purpose. Money raised on Saturday will support the center’s programs, activities and scholarships.
“It’s going to be a great time. Hopefully it won’t rain,” said Joyce Schultz, the Gig Harbor Senior Center’s board chair. “We’re really excited. The first time is always exciting and overwhelming, but we’ve had really good response from sponsors, and people wanting to volunteer, and the runners.”
Twenty-five spots were left in the 200-runner field as of the afternoon of March 16. Organizers at the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation opted to limit the field because planning for the event took place during Covid restrictions.
Besides, “200 is good for a first-year run,” said Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski, CEO Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.
Online registration will be available through midnight on Wednesday, March 16.
The run starts at Cushman Trail Park, near the Olympic Drive-Hollycroft triangle. Runners in the 12K start at 8 a.m. and go south on the trail; the route continues on 14th Ave. NW; 24th St. NW; the Scott Pierson Trail; and onto the Tacoma Narrows Bridge before turning back.
Runners in the 5K start and 9 a.m. and go 2.5 kilometers south on the trail before heading back at a marked turn-around point.
Organizers encourage participants to wear St. Patrick’s Day-themed costumes or outfits. A finish-line celebration will include a raffle, race results and more. Dunagan’s Irish Pub & Brewery will be handing out coupons for people who haven’t had enough St. Patty’s Day fun yet.
Shamrock’n sponsors include In-Gear Media, Washington Water Service, the city of Gig Harbor, Erin Goodwill Real Estate, Fleet Feet, Route 16 Running and Walking, BBQ2U, Orbiter Inc, Harbor Greens, Metropolitan Market, Dunagan Irish Pub & Brewery, Rosedale Pet Resort, United Real Estate and Panera Bread.
Organizers could still use a few more volunteers to help out with the event, especially as course marshals. For information about volunteering, go to https://www.gigharborfoundation.org/shamrocknrun.
The 12K route for the Shamrock’n the Harbor run on Saturday, March 19.
The 5K route for the Shamrock’n the Harbor run on Saturday, March 19.