March 12, 2012 | 2 minute read

It’s 9am on Sunday and I’m wearing 3 different primary colors…on purpose.

The first mile is hard—it’s cold and the 20 “Kiss me, I’m Irish” stickers I thought would be a good idea are starting to itch. Not a strong start.

Around mile 3 I’m passed by a leprechaun chasing his pot of gold. Mile 4 is one of my fastest, and I pass no fewer than six green tutu-clad teammates.

Yesterday marked the 24^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 8K—a Washington, DC tradition of dressing up with friends and family and running, walking, skipping through a scenic, downtown 5-mile loop. Team AICR, never ones to miss an opportunity to get dressed up, is here in full force and green garb.

We’re not in it for the big win; we’re here because it’s a fun excuse to look ridiculous with family and friends. The fitness is just an added benefit.

Studies show that regular activity (think 30 – 60 minutes every day) can help strengthen our immune system, keep our digestive system healthy and keep hormone levels in check—all important factors in cancer prevention.

I don’t love going to the gym, but I do love putting on knee-high socks covered with shamrocks and doing a little jig to bagpipes at the finish line. I mean, who doesn’t? These fun, short races can be a great opportunity to get together as a group and try something new and challenging. Having a support system to train with is also a great motivator and especially important when, say, that feather boa you “just had to wear” starts to obstruct your vision. Not that that happened…this year.

All it takes is grabbing some friends and setting a date, so get started today!

Find a race near you!

Once you sign-up let us know your plans in the comments so we can cheer you on!