Parade festivities include Zero K

Downtown Hot Springs will kick off three days’ worth of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in March with an all-new event.

Runners of all skills levels will cover the 98-foot stretch of Bridge Street and then some for the First Ever First Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Zero K foot race, beginning at 6 p.m. March 15.

On Friday, Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison told The Sentinel-Record the idea came from a trip earlier this year with others from Hot Springs.

“I was in Key West, Fla., earlier this year with some friends from Hot Springs and while we were sitting around enjoying the pool, one of the ladies there was talking about how Key West had this great event — a Zero K — and the more she talked about it, the more we were thinking this would be a great addition to St. Patrick’s Day,” he said. “So a tip of the hat to Key West for the great idea. They’re a great destination.”

Arrison said the race will cover 299 feet, one foot shorter than Key West’s Wacky Florida Keys Cow Key Channel Bridge Run, which is 300 feet long. The St. Patrick’s Zero K will be three times longer than the actual parade and is for athletes “who do not like to get up early or break a sweat.”

Director of Marketing Bill Solleder said in the release that the hope is the Zero K, presented by sponsor Michelob Ultra and Arkansas Beverage Sales of Hot Springs, will become another bucket list event for area athletes alongside other events like the Little Rock Marathon, the Spa Running Festival’s Summit2Summit Half Marathon and The World Championship Running of the Tubs.

According to the release, all proceeds from the Zero K will benefit Tri-Lakes CASA, the organization of court-appointed special advocates for foster children that serves Garland, Hot Spring and Grant counties.

“I absolutely share the organizers’ vision of making the Zero K Footrace a must-do event for all athletes in the Natural State, no different than the Little Rock Marathon, Summit2Summit Half Marathon, and The Running of the Tubs,” Jay Castillo of Arkansas Beverage Sales said in the release.

“No beer in the industry connects with these athletes more than Michelob Ultra. It has 95 calories, 2.6 carbs, and has a tremendous history of partnering with world-class events like the New York City Marathon, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race and many others.”

The entry fee is $20 and participants will get a Zero K T-shirt, finisher’s medal and race bib.

“It’s just a fun addition for people who have always wanted to be a part of a K race and get a medal that wouldn’t normally participate in one,” Arrison said. “And it all benefits CASA who is going to handle the registration for the event.”

There will be three separate heats for the race, offering something for any skill level. All races are self-timed, Arrison said.

“You keep your own time and tell us at the end,” he said. “We’re all honest people here in Hot Springs.”

According to the release, the first heat will be for first place contenders. Runners should bring their fastest run and try to set the world record. While runners will keep their own time, Arrison said there will likely be someone keeping an official time for this heat.

The second heat — the Leprechaun Dash — encourages runners to dress up in their best St. Patrick’s Day gear, or as their favorite leprechaun, and run.

The final heat is the Last Place Shootout for the slowest racer to cross the finish line while maintaining a forward motion. According to the release, “this one is great for younger kids, pets and the laziest of runners.”

This heat, Arrison said, could take a while, but organizers will be prepared.

“If we have to call it a draw like the car dealerships do for the contests to see who can keep one hand on a vehicle the longest, we will,” he said. “But Michelob Ultra has assured us there will be enough product available that we’re prepared to wait.”

A hydration station will be set up at 149.5 feet for those who need a boost to finish.

“It doesn’t matter what physical condition you’re in or whether you’re athletic or not,” Arrison said. “That’s why we have the hydration station halfway through in case anyone needs to take a quick break. Once you finish the race, you’ll be right at the foot of O’Kelley’s Pub.”

Desternie Sullivan, executive director of Tri-Lakes CASA, said in the release that the organization is thrilled to see the Zero K come to Hot Springs for this festive weekend.

“What a great combo,” Sullivan said. “This race is perfect because it requires no training at all, only lots of energy, fun costumes and great people.

“The ‘pot-o-gold’ raised from The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Zero K will go right back into the community as we recruit, train and support volunteer advocates as they provide a voice to children in foster care in our community.”

Since St. Patrick’s Day itself falls on a Sunday, Solleder said in the release that this is a great opportunity to add the Zero K to the previously announced lineup of events.

“In addition to the internationally acclaimed parade itself on Sunday, March 17, we will have free live entertainment by Smash Mouth on Saturday night at the Bridge Street stage where Bridge Street, Malvern Avenue, Broadway and Convention Boulevard intersect,” he said. “Plus, we’ll have another free live concert by Three Dog Night on Sunday after the parade.”

This marks the second consecutive year that two free concerts have been offered in conjunction with the parade. No chairs are permitted at either concert.

Smash Mouth will take the Bridge Street Stage at 8 p.m. March 16.

The First Ever 16th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will feature “The Karate Kid” Ralph Macchio as the celebrity grand marshal and DJ and dancer, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, as the official starter.

Online registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSprings/StPatricksDayZeroK.