Participants start the race in a previous Zero-K in Hot Springs. — Photo courtesy Visit Hot Springs.
If your idea of training involves a cane-backed rocking chair on the front porch, the Fifth Ever World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Zero K “race” is your cup of tea.
You can sign up now for the March 17 mayhem. This year, the race has been moved to the same day as the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade® in downtown Hot Springs.
If you can cover 299 feet in an hour, this is the race for you. The race benefits Tri-Lakes Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which helps stand up for foster children in Garland, Hot Spring, Clark, Grant, and Pike Counties.
This 299-foot-long race starts on 98-foot Bridge Street, the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use, the route of the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade®. The 98-foot street was recently painted Kelly green to illustrate the route of the quirky little parade that annually brings upwards of 30,000 fans to watch the festivities. The Zero K race route ends across Broadway Street at O’Kelley’s Pub, the world’s biggest inflatable Irish pop-up pub.
There’ll be a hydration station at the halfway point in case you get dehydrated. The race will be followed by the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade®.
“This Zero K event is pure Hot Springs magic,” said Suzanne Herron, executive director of Tri-Lakes CASA. “It’s fun, laughter, and community spirit all coming together for a cause that changes lives. Every Zero K registration helps us stand up for children in foster care and remind them that their story matters,” she said. “The Zero K may only be 299 feet, but the impact stretches miles. Every step taken represents hope for a child in foster care. The support we receive through this hilarious and heartwarming event allows our advocates to keep showing up for kids who need a consistent voice in their corner.”
Early registration is at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSpringsNationalPark/WorldsShortestStPatricksDayZEROK.
The race will start at 4 p.m. on Bridge Street. Day-of-race packet pickup begins at 2 p.m. at the race site. Early packet pickup will be Monday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tri-Lakes CASA Office, 508 Ouachita Avenue (Hamp Williams Building). Parking is available in the rear of the building.
The entry fee is $25. Racers get a Zero K T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, a swag bag, and a race bib. Those who register by Tuesday, March 10, get all the swag. Those who register between March 11 and 16 will get a swag bag and bib while supplies last — but no T-shirt or medal. There will be awards at the race for best costumes. Green and Irish-themed costumes are encouraged.
For more information, contact CASA, Suzanne Herron, Suzanne.Herron@trilakescasa.org.
