The Southeast Beasts' new logo, designed by local artist Charity Hommel. Hommel's design was chosen by the running group's board of directors from among five submissions.
Wrangell's recreational running group will set this year's pace with its third annual Shamrock Shuffle, a five-kilometer run beginning outside of Rayme's Bar Saturday at 7 p.m.
All ages are invited to participate in the evening jog, dressing in green and running through town to get into the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day weekend festivities.
"We've had a lot of families participate in this run," explained Lucy Robinson, the Beasts' director. St. Paddy's treats and refreshments will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. "It's going to be kind of a festive event."
Money raised by participating runners will go to Wrangell High School's shop classroom in recognition of students' past support for the Alaska Day 5K in October. Wooden medallions for that event had been crafted using the shop's new plasma cutter, a service which is being made available to the wider community.
The Beasts have donated its entry fees and other collected donations to a variety of local causes, such as helping people pay for medical expenses. The group raised $12,000 in 2014, and hopes to raise even more this year.
First started informally three years ago as a way to liven up exercising outdoors and provide support to runners on the island, the success of the group has led it to organize itself more formally.
"We're trying to get our ducks in a row," Robinson explained, currently in the application process to acquire 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. Their official status as a nonprofit organization would aid in acquiring grant funding, which would go toward covering costs of putting on their different runs and could eventually see the development of larger events.
The Beasts' initial goal will stay the same, however.
"Our main goal essentially is to get folks outside," said Robinson. "You inject a little humor into the outdoor fitness attempt."
As with Southeast Beasts' other annual runs, there will be door prizes for participants at the Shuffle. In addition to some themed items and gift cards, the grand prize will be a $100 cash sum contributed by Rayme's.
Afterward for those 21 and older, the celebration will head indoors for pints of green beer and some tunes by DJ Ryan.
"I'm hoping to get kind of a bigger turnout," said Robinson.
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