St. Baldrick’s Foundation hits the road to break leprechaun record

If you find yourself at Town Center on Saturday morning, don't fret — even if it looks a lot like March 17, it is still February.

Saturday is the St. Baldrick's Foundation's inaugural Lepre-Con 2016, a 5K race and 1-mile fun run that is also an attempt to make the Guinness Book for World Records for the largest gathering of leprechauns. The current record of 1,263 was sent in Ireland in 2012.

Race registration is $65 or $35 for those who register online using the coupon code "leprecon10." All registrants get a leprechaun costume, including a hat, beard and T-shirt. It's Las Vegas, so runners 21 and older also get a coupon for a free beer. Spectators also can register to receive a costume and be part of the fun.

"We want to blow the record out of the water and raise at least $100,000," said Eric Larsen, the event's race director. "This event also celebrates 10 years of the St. Baldricks Foundation's work in Las Vegas."

The St. Baldricks Foundations is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, and the race's proceeds support childhood cancer research. Many in Las Vegas are familiar with the organization's popular head shaving events that kick off in March, when people secure sponsors and shave their heads voluntarily to raise money for the cause.

On Saturday, registration opens at 7 a.m. and events kick off 8:30, with a ceremonial head shaving of 9-year-old Las Vegan Hallie Driscoll, who is honoring her sister. The 5K race is at 9 a.m., and the walk is at 9:15. There will be food, drinks and an expo running until noon.

Race packet pickup is Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at McFadden's in Town Square, Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 a.m. at the Land Rover tent in Town Square. To register, visit lepre-con.stbaldricks.org.

While you were making the onion dip …

Last week, local marathon runner Erica Schramm talked about how she really loves short distance races. She proved that Sunday when she won the 5K women's category at the Big Game 10K and 5K race in downtown Las Vegas. She crossed the finish line in 19:08.

J.J. Santana of Las Vegas retained his title of 5K champ with a time of 16:08. But that was just a warmup for the 28-year-old, who shortly after winning the 5K ran the 10K and finished first in 31:09.

Las Vegas' Laura Chappell retained her 10K title with a time of 37:49. Chappell's time also made her one of the top three finishers overall (men and women).

"It is really cool to know that only two men had faster 10K times than I did today," Chappell said. "I like this course a lot. I would really like to come back and go for a three-peat."

Act Fast

The popular Blood, Sweat & Beers race scheduled for Bootleg Canyon on Feb. 27 is 70 percent sold out, despite organizers increasing the registration limit to 750 runners. Marathon, 30K, half-marathon, 10K and 5K races are being offered.

Registration fees vary by event, so visit desertdash.com for details.

Stephanie Forte is a local longtime rock climber and snowboarder. She is one of the voices of Beyond Vegas, a social media community that helps to connect people to outdoor adventures in Southern Nevada. If you are hosting an outdoor event, send information to steph@beyondvegas.com. Follow her on Twitter: @StephNForte