Nebraskaland Magazine
View Flickr Gallery of Past Runs | The Leprechaun Chase 10k is a St. Paddy’s Day run with a twist, where ladies get a head start and the guys follow in chase. Registration for the race was capped at 2,500 runners and has sold out every year. This year’s Leprechaun Chase was held on March 9, and marked the third year for the event at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and the neighboring Strategic Air & Space Museum. It was the fourth year the event has been held.
Starting with the first wave of runners the ladies had a 5 ½ minute head start before the guys took off on their “chaser wave” of runners. The “lasses and lads” ran through a scenic 10k park course passing oak forests, lakes, manicured gardens and a kilt-wearing bagpiper or two. The rules of the chase hold that if a “lass” crosses the finish line first, all of the ladies earn a free drink at the after party. If the gents win then all of the “lads” get a free drink at the after party.
To avoid getting pinched everyone wears green on the day of the race. St. Paddy themed attire was the regalia of the day, and the best dressed contestant was recognized and rewarded at the after party where their green beers were served.
This year Eric Rasmussen of York, NE won with a time of 32:08. Nebraska Game and Parks’ Christy Rasmussen – division administrator for the Information and Education group, placed fourth in her division. The Leprechaun Chase was featured as Runners Magazine “Race of the Month.”
Plans for the 2014 race are already underway if you want to participate in next year’s race make sure to register early. This year’s race sold out Feb. 16th.
