The 27th Annual Chuckanut 50k is set for this Saturday, March 16th! For many years BDP athletes have raced and volunteered the event – this year will be no exception. Brittany, Nikki and Maxx will represent, with Amber working as finish line medic. Now, if you haven’t been in the area, Bellingham was hit with a snowstorm a few weeks back, whose effects lasted and continues to. There’s still snow and/or ice on near 50% of the course, which rains and slightly warmer temps will hopefully help erode in the coming days. Brittany, who has relocated to Colorado will be coming back for the race; Nikki will use the 50k en route to her “A” race at Sonoma 50-Mile next month; this will be Maxx’s first race back after a debilitating ankle injury last year. With the course looking as it does, we’re likely up for a slower day. Wishing all racers and our athletes the best of luck!

Also set for Saturday, March 16th in Bellingham, Runnin’O’the Green 5k & 8k will also embark. David will race the 8k as he trains for some upcoming triathlons. Last year’s top 8k performers were our own Leighton Overson and Derek Thornton. Post race, Bellingam’s infamous St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take off at 12:00pm from the 1800 block of Cornwall Ave., finishing at Depot Market Square and Boundary Bay Bistro.

And another one…on Saturday, March 16th at Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC Thomas will race one of BDP’s favorite races – the St. Patrick’s Day 5k will take off from the Stanley Park Pavilion. Many of our athletes have competed here over the years. The race brings out a stacked field of talent, with hoards of racers breaking the coveted barriers of 15-minutes and 16-minutes. There’s a cash bonus for whoever reaches the 1st mile first, as long as you finish within 1 minute of the winner. It has awards 10-deep. It’s decorated to the nines, festive as f***, and you get a pint glass at the finish. Hands down one of the best 5k’s ever.

Sunday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day – Courtney and Derek will race Seattle’s 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dash. Returning from last year’s 2nd place finish, Courtney will race the 5k in the middle of training for the Boston Marathon; Derek, coming off of a 10k PR a few weekends ago, is set up well. At the finish like Guinness will await them.

Rounding out our stacked weekend of festive Irish racing, Rachel will compete at the Shamrock Run 8k in Portland on March 17th. The race includes a Leprechaun Lap (1k kid’s fun run), Shamrock Stride (4-Mile Walk), 5k, 8k, 15k and 1/2 Marathon. Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the 3rd largest running event in the western united states. All courses start at Waterfront Park and run through the center of downtown Portland. There’s a beer garden (duh), stage performances featuring local musicians and a 2-day fitness fair.