Early signup open for Bloomsday run

With chilly temperatures, it may take a leap of imagination to realize spring is coming soon and with it the 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run. But to help fortify New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, early registration for Bloomsday is now open at www.bloomsdayrun.org.

Those who sign up by Feb. 14 will have a chance to win a trip for two to one of Seattle’s most popular races, the St. Patrick’s Day Dash on March 14, 2010.

“New Year’s resolutions often include a vow to get in better shape,” said Lilac Bloomsday Association President Jerry O’Neal. “It should help solidify that commitment by signing up now for a 7 1/2-mile journey through the streets of Spokane on the first Sunday in May.”

Everyone who enters for Bloomsday online through Feb 14 will be automatically entered in the St. Patrick’s Day Dash drawing. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare for two from Spokane to Seattle, two nights (double occupancy) at the Hampton Inn at the Seattle Center and free entry into the run.

Officially known as Henry Weinhard’s St. Patrick’s Day Dash, the event is described as “a nearly 3 ¾-mile jaunt around Seattle to celebrate the arrival of spring and the Irish in us all.” Entrants are encouraged to “run, walk, jog or crawl” the distance. This is the 26th annual dash, which drew more than 15,000 entrants last year. Prizes are awarded for “Best Wearin’ o’ the Green” and “Most Outrageous Costume.”

Those signing up for Bloomsday will also have the opportunity to add a donation to SNAP, Spokane County’s community action agency. SNAP, which serves low-income, homeless and vulnerable people in the greater Spokane community with over 35 different programs, has been selected as Bloomsday’s official charity for 2010.

Full details of the May 2 event will be released in early March, at which time printed entry forms will be available at locations throughout the Inland Northwest.