Race registration open for Bozeman’s biggest St. Paddy’s tradition
Race registration is now open for Pub 317’s 2019 Run to the Pub. Several thousand half-marathon and 10K race participants in their finest St. Patrick’s Day attire will gather at the starting line on Saturday, March 16th.
Participants will include those looking to run a personal best on the mostly downhill course, creative costume enthusiasts, and everyone in between. Registering for the event earns participants a technical running shirt, a commemorative pint glass, and a buff, as well as a finisher’s medal and a well-deserved beer at the finish line. As a bonus, each person who registers is automatically entered in a drawing for the dream prize – one of four paid trips to Ireland with free entry into the Dublin marathon.
Run to the Pub began twelve years ago when one of the owners of Pub 317 motivated a few friends for a St. Patrick’s Day jog that ended with a beer at the bar. The event grew steadily from there; last year’s Run to the Pub drew 4,500 participants from 36 different states to Bozeman.
“This race has become a major community event,” says race director Tyler Wilkinson. “We have people coming in from all over Montana and across the US, but it’s also a great opportunity for locals to stretch their legs and come out of winter hibernation. For a lot of folks this has become a yearly tradition. People pour into downtown to eat, drink, shop, and just enjoy Bozeman.”
The event is more than just a chance to get outside and have a good time – it’s also a way to aid local nonprofit organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the race goes to benefit the Bozeman Area Community Foundation, which supports almost 200 nonprofits across Gallatin County.
“Participants like giving back while they’re having a good time,” says Wilkinson. “The race keeps growing every year, and we keep improving based on feedback from the runners. We never know what the weather will bring in mid March but that doesn’t stop people from signing up and getting excited to run and celebrate in this beautiful place.”
Cost to register for Run to the Pub increases after February 28th and there’s no race day registration. Registration for the race, stories posted by former winners of the Dublin trip, and more information can be found at www.runtothepub.com. •
