OK, let’s make this clear: You just can’t spin cold.
Despite all the blarney the organizers of the 18th annual Runnin’ of the Green 7-kilometer race, held Sunday in Lower Downtown, might give about the warming spirit of the charity race and the toasty revelry of the runners, the temperature at race time was somewhere around 28 degrees, with a nasty north wind to boot. No amount of goofy costumes, goodwill and green Spandex could change that.
But about 4,000 people were willing to try.
A fit mob gathered at 17th and Wazee streets in front of McCormick’s Fish House and Bar. There were men wearing shorts. There were innumerable folks in green tights, green shirts, green shoes, green stocking caps, green plastic top hats. One dog was spray-painted green.
About the only folks who appeared dressed for the sub- freezing temperatures were members of the Colorado Irish Pipe Band, in thick wool kilts, socks pulled up to their knees, wool berets and long wool coats draped over their shoulders.
And then there was Garrett Culpepper, sporting an outfit you might call leprechaun chic. Green shamrock shorts. Green afro wig. Fake red beard that droops when he runs. Green shamrock vest. No shirt.
“It’s not about the time; it’s about the style,” he said.
Race directors Terry McGrath and Kevin FitzGerald basked in the turnout.
“It’s an enthusiastic crowd,” McGrath said. “You think they would be deterred by the weather, but we almost ran out of entry forms this morning.”
The race benefits Volunteers of America programs such as Meals on Wheels.
It began just after 10, when the race announcer asked the runners if they were ready to go and they responded with a hearty cheer.
Twenty minutes after the race began, Boulder’s John Supsic streaked across the finish line in first. Walking into the mass of spectators, he was exalted by almost no one, for bragging rights in this race go not to the winner but to those who can later say they were crazy enough to participate.
“It’s a little chilly, but they put on a great race here,” Supsic said. “Great atmosphere. I love St. Paddy’s Day, so this is awesome. I just wish they had a pint at the end.”
Now that would warm you up.
Staff writer John Ingold can be reached at 720-929-0898 or jingold@ denverpost.com.
