Annual Leprechaun Lope brings out the green

Cheri Wright

+ Enlarge

SALT LAKE CITY – Popular and steeped in tradition, the 24th Annual Leprechaun Lope 10K/5K/2 mile fun run held on March 16 was a huge success. Participants dressed in green and fun Irish costumes and ran in the only race with real leprechauns.

In 1989, Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, who was then principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, organized the First Annual Leprechaun Lope. Sr. Cathy is now superintendent of all 16 Utah Catholic Schools.

What started with just a handful of students and their families participating has grown; this year more than 800 runners and walkers participated.

"It is a great opportunity for runners and walkers of all abilities and ages to come together and celebrate the Irish in all of us while supporting one of Utah’s first Catholic Schools," Sr. Cathy said.

More than $10,000 was raised for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, and will be used for tuition scholarship assistance. Lourdes’ student population hails from throughout the Salt Lake Valley, and comes from varied socioeconomic and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Race participants came from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Cali-fornia to run in City Creek Canyon, free from cars on the U.S. Track and Field certified 10K and 5K courses.

"This event brings the fun back into running for the whole family," said race chairman, longtime runner and former Lourdes parent Pat Noteboom. "We give runners a good experience and make a positive reflection of our outstanding students and school."

Courtesy of Cheri Wright, Advancement Director, Our Lady of Lourdes School