On your mark, get set: Preparations underway for the 2016 Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5K

Preparations for the 2016 Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5K, to be held on Saturday, March 19, are quickly ramping up as race day approaches.

“We are really excited about the number of runners and walkers who have signed up so far,” said Kelsey Haynes, race director. “With the nicer weather, we expect to see another jump in registrations this week.”

The race is limited to 4,500 runners. Early registration is available now through noon March 17 at www.spectrumhealth.org/irishjig. Runners can register onsite Friday and Saturday at packet pickup at the East Grand Rapids High School gym. Irish Jig top age group winners receive prizes and the top overall finishers receive cash awards.

Now in its 33rd year, the Irish Jig has grown to become one of Michigan’s premier 5K races. It is an event with a cause: raise awareness of colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately, and the second leading cause when both sexes are combined.

New this year, runners can check in their gear and personal items while they run at the UPS “Flame Truck” that will be parked on Wealthy Street near Derby Station. Back by popular demand, runners can also take fun “snaps” in an Irish Jig photo booth that will be located in the East Grand Rapids High School gym.

For more information, visit www.spectrumhealth.org/irishjig, email IrishJig@spectrumhealth.org or call 616.391.4JIG (4544). Share via #IrishJig2016.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit integrated health system based in West Michigan. It offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 180 ambulatory and service sites; more than 3,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, including about 1,400 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 715,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 24,300 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition.