St. Pat's 5k Providence RI

I'm not sure how they pick the date for the Providence, RI, St. Pat's parade, but whichever Saturday they go with the 5k race organized by runRhody always happens that same morning. This past Sat was the 3rd time I have run the race. This year I was also helping the race organizer out with the social media for the event. (He waives my entry fee in exchange. All thoughts contained here are my own.) 

I love running holiday races because they so naturally lend themselves to running in costume! It does not take much to throw together a costume on short notice and for very little money. 

I picked up my apron at a local shop for $8, and my sash $1 and tam $3 at Target the night before the race. The socks I already had and the shirt is the event shirt. Like I said not too much $ and quick. 

The morning of the race I drifted in the crowd taking PR shots and chatting with other runners. My goal for the race was to have fun and get some exercise. I made up a few "character stops" along the way. Am I the only one who stopped for a picture with a parade committee member, the mailman, and a course crew? Probably, but these are the folks that made my race special and I couldn't care less what the clock said when I finished. 

As for the PR pictures...I go after the fun folks having a good time with friends, family and/or for a good cause! These are some of my picks! You may still be able to find some of these costume accessories for your local St. Pat's race this weekend. (I did ask all of these folks if they were okay with me using their pictures on social media.)

I always enjoy racing in Providence! It is easy for me to get to the course and I always know where to park. 

This was the second race in a three race series called the Tour de Patrick. One of these years I will get to the other two, but for now I have only run this one.