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Photos by Rosalee Zammuto
By William Tauro
“The Ras” is the most authentic St. Padraig’s Road Race west of Dublin, Ireland that was joined by 6000 this past Sunday for a grand run around Somerville and then celebrated with em’ in the 17 post-race pubs.
Ras na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. It is a celebration of traditions dating back centuries and simply a celebration of spring in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Everyone was invited to Somerville, Massachusetts, all runners & walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, & to enjoy a memorable race & St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This race was born in Ireland & named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km was open to all, from beginners to international stars.
The U.S.A. race was held on this past Sunday, March 13th and started at 11:00 a.m., beginning & ending in Davis Square.
There were loads of Craic – a celebration & appreciation of heritage & history, the magic & mystery that moved everyone to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on the Run – the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km.
This race is a gem, an Emerald has become a local spring tradition over the last eight years. What a way to kick off the new 2016 racing season and celebrate the coming of spring. This Ras (race)& Craic (party) was indeed a celebration for everyone.
It was competitive too. The Women’s Course Record was set in 2010 by Molly Huddle, of Providence, Rhode Island, with a time of 15:59. The Men’s Course Record was set in 2006 by Irishman Mark Kenneally of Dublin, Ireland, who ran a speedy 14:19. For many participants, however, it was an outing to jog or walk just to join in the fun.
No, you didn’t have to be Irish to run this race! Somerville, Massachusetts, is a city of great diversity and it was diverse long before we all began to hear the term. And it is a city that celebrates life.
From March 13th through 17th there will be a strong touch of Ireland in Somerville–invention, passion, heritage, culture, customs, & beliefs.
It was surly a green weekend through and through, as Irish as lace, potatoes, shamrocks, & Guinness. Brilliant!
Everyone who participated enjoy a touch of the Emerald Isle in Somerville, Massachusetts.
