World’s Shortest St. Paddy Footrace — 2nd Ever Zero-K — Raises $11,700 for Tri-Lakes CASA
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — The Second Ever Zero-K World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Footrace was “a big success this year,” raising $11,700 for an organization that provides advocates for neglected and abused children in the Arkansas foster care system.
“We sometimes think of all the great fun associated with a race that prides itself on how short the course is,” said Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison, “but we should remember that all the entry fees from the event benefit some of the most vulnerable people in Arkansas — foster kids.”
The money raised by the funny little race goes to Tri-Lakes CASA, which provides advocates for foster kids in Garland, Hot Spring and Grant counties. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected foster children.
Suzanne Herron, executive director of the organization, said 545 people registered for the race, which was sponsored by Michelob Ultra and Arkansas Beverage Sales of Hot Springs. The sponsorship allows all the entry fees to go to CASA.
“It was such a blessing that so many individuals this year came out to have fun and donate,” Herron said. “We advocate for the best interest of the approximate 370 children in foster care in Garland, Hot Spring and Grant counties. All funds donated go directly toward this advocacy.”
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Footrace, the Second Ever Zero-K, was part of the two-day revelry surrounding the First Ever 20th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 98-foot Bridge Street.
The 299-foot race covers the 98-foot route of the parade on Historic Bridge Street, and ends at O'Kelley's Pub, the world's biggest inflatable Irish popup pub, near the Hot Springs Convention Center. Participants in three categories — fastest, slowest and best costume — received a Zero-K T-shirt, a finisher’s medal and a race bib.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.