It was a wet, snowy, and cold day for a 5K color run in Crapo Park in Burlington.
Yet, they came — more than 300 walkers and runners — sporting relieved grins, green tutus, and big goofy glasses.
The Kiwanis Shamrock Shuffle 5K hasn’t missed a year yet. Saturday’s iteration played host to a massive crowd, even though it was less than half the usual attendance.
Burlington Kiwanis Club president Cassie Gerst wasn’t surprised by the determined locals who showed up. She was grateful, though.
“There are so many diehards who do this year after year,” she said, looking around the Crapo Park Shelter House admiringly.
More than 700 people registered for the color run, their registration fees going to area children. Those who weren’t able to make it contributed as much as the ones who did. Bad weather doesn’t erode good causes.
“We help so many kids with Coats for Kids in the winter months, Christmas shopping with kids at Target, the library’s summer reading program,” Gerst said, noting the club also provides dictionaries and thesauruses to elementary children.
Diehards comprised the core of the Shamrock Shuffle crowd but were peppered by a surprising number of first-timers. Many of the participants said they viewed the run/walk as a final opportunity to enjoy a public event.
“I work at home, and I’m stuck in the house all the time, so this is invigorating,” said Burlington resident Jacque Worden.
The snow was a first for the event, but hardly a deterrent. More like dissolving decorations, clinging stubbornly to wet grass.
“It isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be,” she said.
Worden started walking 5Ks on doctor’s orders, adopting a South Beach diet to address her cardiac problems. Saturday was her first Shamrock Shuffle, but it won’t be her last.
“I used to run in them when I was younger. Now I walk,” she said with a laugh.
Photos by Joy Mack
Photos 1 and 2: A runner is showered with colored powder during the Kiwanis Shamrock Shuffle 5K.
Photo 3: Runners are shown lined up at the start of the Shamrock Shuffle.
Photos 4 and 5: Participants are shown decked out in green for St. Patrick's Day.