By: Grace Ward
As we approach the 30th Anniversary of the Run Project St. Paddy’s Day Dash, I find myself reminiscing about the many previous years I have participated in this epic race experience. To say it is tradition just doesn’t feel like that is giving this race enough credit. Not many Race Organizations have been providing races to DFW for 30 years.
Being blessed to have run this race since the 90’s, I can say with absolute confidence it is a spectacular experience for all levels of Runners or Walkers. For the fastest runners, the money prizes make it a great challenge. The route is fast and competitive! For those who may not be competing for the money, there are age group awards, and a great route lined with excitement from beginning to end. Feel free to dress up in all things St. Paddy’s for this one. There will be some wild outfits. The exciting route festivities and after party make it a race to remember for all.
I find myself thinking back to those first years, and how much the overall racing process has changed. Many may not know, but back in the 90’s we registered for races by getting a brochure from the brochure wall at Run-on or Luke’s. You would go to packet pickup and always grab the next batch of race brochures. Then mail (yes, snail-mail) a check along with the completed brochure registration form to the race organization. No websites to confirm your registration, just head back to packet pickup and the process started all over again. Hard to believe that was how we registered, but the timing part is even more wild!
Chip timing was not available at that time, so when you crossed the finish line, you tore off part of your bib and they put it on a wire or string with time separators. Also, no watches with GPS. I think I had the super advanced, state-of-the-art Timex Ironman watch. It was the watch to have back then, but wow, when Nike came out with their watch it was a game changer!
You were notified of your results via POST CARD (more snail-mail). Thank you to the USPS! I still have several of those early post cards, the ones where I hit a new PR of course. Still hoping to break my old PR, I don’t think that ever changes even as the odds of that happening are reduced. Maybe there should be a PR per decade, but I digress.
No finisher medals back then, and no cell phones. Basically, you got a medal and sometimes a photo, if you placed. Some races did have photographers on the route, but it was rare. We took a Polaroid picture just to have a memory of the day for the extra special races. I am sure several of the long-time runners in DFW will remember those early races and I hope to see them at the many upcoming Run Project Anniversary celebration events this year.
Running has been a key part of my life for 40 or so years.
Which is one of the reasons, a little over 4 years ago, I created the Lake Cities Run Walk Group. Although we are named after the Lake Cities area (Denton/Lake Lewisville/Northern part of DFW), you will find many of the 2,300+ Lake Cities Run Walk Group members live all over DFW. We do 20-40 meet-ups each week, receive discounts on races, shoes, gear and more. There are 45 professional training routes, and free challenges for cash prizes. The members consist of all levels of runners and walkers training for all distances. Plus, there is an easy to use at-a-glance yearly DFW race calendar provided to all members and best of all – Never any fees or dues! It is 100% FREE to be a member and use the resources/benefits!
This year, for the 30th Anniversary of the Run Project St. Paddy’s race, as in the past couple years, our day starts out on the Train. Many of those registered for the St. Paddy’s Day race will take the train so prepare for the excitement to begin on the train. It is the best way to get in/out of the even and very stress free. Riding the train simply adds to the fun and it is a great way to connect with others heading to the race.
Once at the event, we are always ready run! You can’t help but feel the excitement of this race. The energy is high, you can feel it in the air.
The route is lined with all the people that are setting up and tailgating before the Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Greenville. The race route goes right down Greenville. Expect a lot of great music, take a free Jello shot or two, if you are so inclined. Enjoy all the great outfits and there is always media on the route as the various TV and Radio stations are set-up to broadcast the events of the day.
As you close in on the finish line, take full advantage of the moment, be sure to smile for your Finisher Photo! Then celebrate as you cross the finish line and receive that 30th Anniversary Finisher Medal! CONGRATULATIONS! You did it!
The fun is not over, Run Project has contests and awards, remember, this is a Money Prize Race. Who doesn’t love a big check! The afterparty usually has prizes both on stage and in the vendor booths. There will be giveaways, massages (hoping to see Pooky the Panda) and of course beer. It is simply a good time.
Afterwards, stay for the Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Then it’s an easy train ride home.
From start to finish this is always a day/race to remember!
See you there, March 15,2025. If you would like a discount, the code LAKECITIES works on ALL Run Project Races. I have used that code for years to save $$.
Thank you to Run Project, all Run Project Employees and Volunteers for making these races possible. CONGRATULATIONS on providing quality races to the DFW Running Community for 30 years!
