Slap the Leprechaun 5K?

 Runners greeted on the first lap

The March Madness of the second annual "Lap the Leprechaun" 5K group run was a surprising hit. I had guessed maybe 25 folks would show based on our Facebook event page and the blustery weather. By the time late comers arrived, we were closer to last year's 50 green clad runners.

At the last second, we had to scramble to find a Leprechaun because last year's master of ceremonies Marc Potter was too busy with clients at his downtown hair salon. At about 9:30 AM yesterday, my co-conspirator Mike and I voted 2-0 that our office mate Marcos would inherit the job. Marcos did not disappoint and had to work hard to avoid the runners who tried to pinch, lap or "slap" him.

To top it off, we had a much larger post run party turnout than last year and the bar staff allowed us to we take over the Zane Gray Ballroom!

I must admit my favorite part of these free running events is returning home and sharing photos that capture the essence of Flagstaff running; community based and fun for runners of all ages and levels. Whether it is the New Years Day run, Lap the Leprechaun, Four on the Fourth, War Dog, Turkey Predictor, the Mayan Apocolypse (now Winter Solstice,) or Christmas Day run, these FREE celebratory occasions are a great way to meet and find new running friends!

So far, we are working on next year's slogan..."Slap the Leprechaun 5K" is in the lead. Have an idea? Let us know and our friends at Ramble Brothers will design next years shirt!

 Gang Green

 Marcos the Leprechaun leads the way

 Heading out on the first lap

 Martos chases down Marcos

 The co-conspirators surround their new recruit

 The Leprechaun didn't stand a chance against Sara in the home stretch

 I may have cheated, but purple tights can get away with that.

 Ella Bohn's first Lap the Leprechaun

 It took a while, but trendy purple tights are now the rage on Flagstaff trails!

 

Mike's hat told us what to do afterwards

 We finished the race and packed Zane Gray Ballroom!