The idea of holding a 5K run and walk along cart paths of a golf course might conjure up a few potential hazards.
But, rest assured, such scenarios are considered during planning for the inaugural Luck of the Irish 5K Poker Run/Walk at Whidbey Golf Club in Oak Harbor March 20.
For one thing, the course will be closed to golfers by the time the event starts at 1 p.m.
“Worst case scenario, we’ll lose a few tee times for the public,” said Arik Dahlen, the new general manager at the semi-private club. “For something like this, we felt it was worth getting the exposure. Also, it’s to do something fun and unique.”
Melissa Riker, the event’s promoter, approached the golf club about hosting the event as a unique way to celebrate the first day of spring.
David Phay, the club’s pro, and Dahlen liked the idea, figuring it might create more community awareness that the course also is open to non-members in the afternoons.
Whidbey Golf Club also will cater some appetizers and drinks for the event, which will feature five stations where participants will collect cards then later collect prizes depending on the strength of their poker hand. Sponsors are offering a variety of prizes.
“It’s a pretty cool run,” Riker said. “You can run though all the cherry blossoms and see how beautiful and well maintained this golf course is.
“It’s not a typical 5K run where you run the same route like everyone else does. It’s new. It’s innovative. It’s a poker run and it’s festive. I wanted to do something (themed) for St. Patrick’s Day.”
The entry fee, which includes food at the post-race party, is $27 for participants 13 and older, and $7 for youth ages 3 to 12.
Youth will have a kids-only poker game.
The event is free for children 2 and under.
Participants may sign up in advance at www.runsignup.com/Race/WA/OakHarbor/LuckoftheIrish5KPokerRun or may register in person on the day of the event starting around 11:30 a.m.
Riker is involved with organizing other runs in Oak Harbor, and recently partnered with Re McClung to start a small business titled Whidbey Running Events.
Riker put on the free 5K Resolution Run and Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day and is involved with the Megan McClung Memorial Run, which will be Sept. 10. That run honors the memory of the first female Marine Corps officer killed in the Iraq war with proceeds benefitting the Semper Fi Fun.
Re McClung, Megan’s mother, lives in Coupeville.
Riker was race director of the Whidbey Island Marathon and Half Marathon last spring.
“It’s nice to have a race where you don’t have to deal with traffic or sidewalks or blocking businesses,” Riker said.
“I’m really excited about this one.”
