Community

Spectrum Health Irish Jig Expands Accommodations for Participants

Annual event introduces start time for ride-along competitors

Runners start the race during the Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5K. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb.12, 2020 – The Spectrum Health Irish Jig, one of Michigan’s premier 5K road races, is making changes to help accommodate participants.

The 37th Annual Irish Jig will be held on Saturday, March 21, and will offer a special start time for competitors who are a part of My TEAM TRIUMPH – Michigan Chapter. MyTEAM TRIUMPH is an athletic ride-along program that supports making events like the Irish Jig available to all participants. My Team Triumph provides a variety of services and equipment for athletes who would not otherwise be able to participate in endurance events.

“It is great to see Spectrum Health’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through the Irish Jig,” said Kelsey Haynes, race director. “The Irish Jig is a fun and healthy community event, and we want to make sure no one is excluded from participating based on their abilities.”

The Irish Jig raises funds and awareness for local colorectal cancer prevention, treatment and diagnostic services provided through the Spectrum Health Cancer Center. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the U.S. There were approximately 140,250 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2019.

“This year will also be the first time that the Irish Jig will offer dynamic bib assignments at a variety of event registration events in the month prior to the Irish Jig, hopefully making registration pick up easier for participants,” adds Haynes. “Instead of having bib numbers automatically assigned online, bib numbers will be assigned on the spot at each event. There will be no need to look up your number and find the correct line to get in. Participants will also get early pick up access to bibs and their shirt at each of these events.”

The Spectrum Health Irish Jig is expected to attract over 3,500 participants and will feature a staggered start, beginning at 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Wealthy Street and Greenwood Ave. in East Grand Rapids. Walkers will start after all runners have crossed the starting line at approximately 8:45 a.m. The finish line is located near the East Grand Rapids fire station on Lake Drive.

Registration is open at www.spectrumhealth.org/irish-jig.

 

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Contact:
Sarina Gleason
Media Relations
Phone: 517.256.5618
Email: sarina.gleason@corewellhealth.org