Spokane, WA—With chilly temperatures and a new dusting of snowfall in Spokane, it may take a leap of imagination to realize spring isn’t far off, and with it the 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run. But to help fortify New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, early bird registration for Bloomsday is now open at www.bloomsdayrun.org. Those who sign up by February 14th will have a chance to win a trip for two to one of Seattle’s most popular races, the St. Patrick’s Day Dash on March 14, 2010.
“New Year’s resolutions often include a vow to get in better shape,” said Lilac Bloomsday Association President Jerry O’Neal. “It should help solidify that commitment by signing up now for a 7-1/2 mile journey through the streets of Spokaneon the first Sunday in May.”
Everyone who enters Bloomsday online through February 14th will be automatically entered in the St. Patrick’s Day Dash drawing. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare for two from Spokane to Seattle, two nights (double occupancy) at the O’fficial Hotel, the Hampton Inn at the Seattle Center, and free entry into the run.
Officially known as Henry Weinhard’s St. Patrick’s Day Dash, the event is described as “a nearly 3¾-mile jaunt aroundSeattle to celebrate the arrival of spring and the Irish in us all.” Entrants are encouraged to “run, walk, jog or crawl” the distance. This is the 26th annual Dash, which drew over 15,000 entrants last year. Prizes are awarded for “Best Wearin’ o’ the Green” and “Most Outrageous Costume.”
Those signing up for Bloomsday will also have the opportunity to add a donation to SNAP, Spokane County’s Community Action Agency. SNAP, which serves the low-income, homeless and vulnerable in the greater Spokane community with over 35 different programs, has been selected as Bloomsday’s official charity for 2010.
“At this time of widespread economic uncertainly,” said O’Neal, “We encourage our participants to join Bloomsday in supporting this outstanding charity.”
Bloomsday ’10 will be Sunday, May 2, 2010. Full details of the 34th annual event will be released in early March, at which time printed entry forms will be available at locations throughout the Inland Northwest.
# # #