More than 1,000 runners, walkers and pets participate in Shamrock Run in downtown Kirkland | SLIDE SHOW

More than 1,000 runners and walkers, with everything from strollers to pets, took part in the first Shamrock Run Saturday morning in downtown Kirkland. Most participants dressed up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

By Matt Phelps • March 18, 2012 4:14 pm
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The first Kirkland Shamrock Run 5K Race and Family Fun Run took place Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day, in downtown Kirkland with 1,650 walkers, runners and pets taking part.

The event had 40 strollers and about 50 dogs, according to race organizer, Ben Wobker, who owns Lake Washington Physical Therapy in Kirkland.

“The (Kirkland Shamrock Run) was very pleased with the volunteers, vendors, and of course the runners/walkers,” said Wobker. “My original hope was that the race would register 500 and we would get 10 sponsors. In actuality, we tripled the number of (registrations) and got nearly 25 businesses involved with the first year race.”

Race organizers originally expected about 1,200 to participate. The large turnout was surprised with the wind and rain that accompanied the St. Patrick’s Day costumes and face paint.

The course began at Marina Park, down Lake Washington Boulevard, back around downtown Kirkland and through the Market Neighborhood, before finishing back at Marina Park.

Teshome Kokebe of Lynnwood was the first 5K runner across the finish line in a time of 14 minutes and eight seconds. The first female 5K runner and Kirkland resident to finish the race was Rosemary Humphreys, who finished ninth overall with a time of 18:36.

The 5K race had 739 runners registered, 442 female and 297 male participants, with an average time of 30 minutes and 39 seconds.

“There was great energy the day of the event, which was a likely byproduct of the great energy that went into the event,” said Wobker. “We leaned heavily on our friends, family, neighbors, businesses, and in my case healthy patients. It was a special pleasure for me to raise a glass afterwards with our all volunteer teams and see participants pouring in and out of downtown businesses.”

The honorary race starter was former Kirkland Mayor Bill Woods, dressed up with red hair, a green hat and a Shillelagh.

“There was a great feel in the air and it reminds you what it is to live in Kirkland even on an overcast day,” said Wobker.

The Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant held a special post-race party. The event was held to benefit the Kirkland Downtown Association.