Where: Cushman Trail
When: Saturday closest to St. Patrick’s Day
Cost: Pre-registration $35-55, Day of Event $65, Children 6 and under free, children 6-12 half price.
This newer event is a 5k/12k Family-fun run/walk on the beautiful Cushman trail and stretches to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Fun for the whole family, while some people wear “turkey day inspired hats, etc. at the Turkey trot, there is heavy encouragement for participants to wear St. Patrick’s Day-themed costumes at the Shamrockin’ the Harbor. This makes it a colorful fun event.
What You Need to Know
Online registration is available until midnight the day before the event.
The weather can still be quiet blustery and/or wet in March, but as the first big community event of the year, lots of people are ready to get out and have some fun after having nothing to do during the post-holiday winter months. So dress accordingly.
All participants receive an event dry wick performance T and water bottle and there is an after party at the end of the race. Check out the website to see the fun “Costume trot” pictures.
hose who run the 12k will be treated to a view from the Narrows bridge but also the heavy winds and weather that can be present there that early in the year. Plan for cool temperatures and possible harsh weather.
A finish-line celebration will include a raffle, race results and more. Dunagan’s Irish Pub & Brewery will be handing out coupons for people who haven’t had enough St. Patty’s Day fun yet.
Much of the event course is the beautiful Cushman trail with some easy varieties of rolling hills and lots of trees for wind shelter. This beautiful trail offers a wide, paved trail, port-a-potties, and seating for rest stops. It’s great that they offer it as a run or walk with both a 5k or 12k option for those who aren’t up to a full running marathon.
A Fun Event With a Great Cause
This event is hosted by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, a Gig Harbor non-profit that advocates for community-based parks, green spaces, recreation, schools, social programs, and quality arts and cultural facilities throughout the communities of our greater peninsulas.
The Foundation makes a big impact on Gig Harbor living and these type of community events really bring people together like nothing else.
100% of the proceeds go to the Gig Harbor Senior Center which is the only organization specifically working to meet the needs of our community’s seniors through regular programs, activities and services that enable them to remain active and thrive.
Even after the physical Center got shut down during COVID, the group was still active. Volunteers delivered more than 10,000 free meals to seniors, thanks to a partnership with BBQ2U and YMCA Camp Seymour. They also delivered more than 3,000 bags of fresh, Pierce County-grown produce through Pierce County CARES Act funds.
It’s nice to have an event that is centered on family and health on a holiday that usually only has drinking focused events.