The 38th Annual Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5k returned Saturday. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Betsy Neustifter crosses the finish line during the Irish Jig 5k. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Brian Williams smiles as he completes the 5k race. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Despite 40-degree temps and a drizzle, more than 2,200 runners gathered for the event. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The event, held annually around St. Patrick’s Day, promotes awareness about colorectal cancer and helps raise funds to support medical services. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kara Kintz, left, and Shellida Hancock cheer on the sidelines for their friend. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
“Spectrum Health is dedicated to improving health and supporting our community to be active,” said Carrie Manders, senior director, BHSH System Communications. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Many were dressed in bright green, donning colorful socks, tutus and full-on leprechaun outfits. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
A boy watches the race from the sidelines with a green viking helmet. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Captain Jessica crosses the finish line with her team from myTEAM TRIUMPH. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kara Kintz, left, and Shellida Hancock hug their friend Valissa Armstead after crossing the finish line. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jane Brouwer and Lori Finn-Ziegler pose for a photo before the race begins. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Don Deyman smiles as he finishes the race with his daughter. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
As people finished the race they waited on the sidelines to cheer on other participants finishing the 5k. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Johnny Agar waves as he crosses the finish line during the Irish Jig. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
A woman wears a headband with green hair flowing out of it.(Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
“It was wonderful to see our volunteers and community members cheering on the participants through the East Grand Rapids community," Manders said. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jack Cassell, left, and Bruno Nobile cheer as they cross the finish line. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The 38th Annual Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5k returned in full splendor on Saturday, with thousands of eager runners taking to the streets in East Grand Rapids.
Despite 40-degree temps and a drizzle, more than 2,200 runners gathered for the event. Many were dressed in bright green, donning colorful socks, tutus, and full-on leprechaun outfits.
The event, held annually around St. Patrick’s Day, promotes awareness about colorectal cancer and helps raise funds to support medical services.
“Spectrum Health is dedicated to improving health and supporting our community to be active,” said Carrie Manders, senior director, BHSH System Communications.
“It was wonderful to see our volunteers and community members cheering on the participants through the East Grand Rapids community,” Manders said. “And a special thanks to our health care team, as many participants ran in their honor today to show support for their tireless dedication.”
The Irish Jig has grown to become one of Michigan’s premier 5K (3.1 mile) road races.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Spectrum Health provides net proceeds from the event to the Spectrum Health Cancer Center colorectal cancer fund, providing colorectal cancer screenings, prevention and diagnostic services here in West Michigan.
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Great day!!!!