Celtic 7K fun run on tap

SANDPOINT — Lace up the running shoes lads and lassies, and get ready for a fun time.

Looking to bring a little more Irish flair to the area during St. Patrick’s Day, and also hoping to raise money for both the St. Joseph’s and Albeni Falls Pipe and Drum Corps, the first-ever Sandpoint Celtic Express 7K Kilt Run will take place next Saturday, March 13.

The race is the brainchild of Sandpoint’s Michelle Hefley, who found herself traveling to Coeur d’Alene and Spokane during past St. Patrick’s Days, which is a much bigger celebration in many cities.

“There are a lot of Celtic arts in Sandpoint, why not bring folks to our town, instead of Coeur d’Alene,” said Hefley, who is hoping for around 100 participants in the inaugural race. “We want to grow it, make it all-around good for the community.”

Kilts are optional, and there will be special prizes for best Celtic uniform and whoever sports the most “bandy legs,” as well as prizes for the top three placers.

When asked why a 7K length, instead of the more traditional 10K or 5K variety, Hefley thought the distance would serve as a perfect warm up for the upcoming Bloomsday race.

Besides the race, there will be a street fair downtown, a scavenger hunt, and finally a Pub Crawl with Pipe and Drum, fiddlers, singers, joke tellers and the like.

All money raised will benefit the two local drum corps, the first time the two factions have collaborated as a team.

Early registration entry fee is $30, and a registration form can be attained by emailing “planetconstructioninc@verizon.net.”

Race day registration will take place at 8 a.m. at the Long Bridge Grill, where the scenic run will begin and end, and will cost $35.

For more information, call Michelle at (208) 946-0555.