Forget marathon training plans or interval workouts if your idea of fitness is lifting a pint and rocking on the porch, Hot Springs has the race for you.
Registration is open for the Fifth Ever World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Zero K, happening March 17 as part of the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade® in downtown Hot Springs.
This year’s “race” challenges participants to conquer a grueling 299 feet, all in the name of charity, fun, and maybe a little Irish luck. The event benefits Tri-Lakes Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which supports foster children in Garland, Hot Spring, Clark, Grant, and Pike counties.
The Route: Short, Sweet, and Slightly Silly
The Zero K begins on the world-famous 98-foot Bridge Street, officially recognized as the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use. The freshly painted Kelly-green roadway also hosts the equally short (but much louder) St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Racers will “push their limits” across Broadway Street to finish at O’Kelley’s Pub, the world’s biggest inflatable Irish pop-up pub.
And don’t worry, there’s a hydration station halfway through in case you get winded during the first 149 feet.
Racing for a Cause
“This Zero K event is pure Hot Springs magic,” said Suzanne Herron, executive director of Tri-Lakes CASA. “It’s fun, laughter and community spirit all coming together for a cause that changes lives.”
“Every Zero K registration helps us stand up for children in foster care and remind them that their story matters,” she said. “It’s the shortest race with the biggest heart. The Zero K may only be 299 feet, but the impact stretches miles. Every step taken represents hope for a child in foster care. The support we receive through this hilarious and heartwarming event allows our advocates to keep showing up for kids who need a consistent voice in their corner.”
The Details
The race begins at 4 p.m. on Bridge Street, with packet pickup starting at 2 p.m. at the race site. Early packet pickup will be held Monday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tri-Lakes CASA Office, 508 Ouachita Avenue (Hamp Williams Building).
Registration is $25 and includes a Zero K T-shirt, finisher’s medal, swag bag, and race bib. To get the full set of goodies, register by March 10 at RunSignUp.
Those who sign up between March 11 and 16 will still receive a swag bag and bib while supplies last, but the prized shirt and medal may be gone.
Costumes, Cheers, and the World’s Shortest Parade
Awards will be given for best costumes, and participants are encouraged to go all-in with green and Irish-themed attire. Once racers catch their breath, the fun continues with the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade®, which officially begins at 6:30 p.m. after the precise “official measurement” of the route at 6:29 p.m.
Since 2003, this one-of-a-kind 98-foot parade has brought tens of thousands downtown to see Irish Elvis impersonators, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Irish belly dancers, and the ever-popular Paddy O’Furniture marching unit.
If you’ve ever dreamed of earning a race medal without breaking a sweat, Hot Springs has your perfect finish line.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
