Registration open for Dyngus Day at North Park

The 5K Dyngus Day Dash is returning to North Park on April 15 for its third annual celebration of everything Polish.

The fun run/walk will be held at 9 a.m. and registration by March 31 guarantees a race T-shirt, according to Michele Mrozek, race organizer.

The family-friendly race for runners, walkers and even friendly pets, is sponsored by the Kosciuszko Foundation-Pittsburgh.

“Race participants will be energized by the music of the Chardon Polka Band from Cleveland, take photos with the race mascots — Pierogi Pete and Evie Eagle — and enjoy meeting and greeting old friends by the beautiful Boathouse lake surrounded with budding cherry blossoms. At the conclusion of the race, runners feast on homemade pierogi provided by Pierogies Plus, and water and snacks as they await race results,” Mrozek said.

Pierogies Plus is located in McKees Rocks, she said.

Proceeds support scholarship and cultural programs of the Kosciuszko Foundation-Pittsburgh.

Racers meet at the North Park Boathouse on Pearce Mill Road in Allison Park.

Registration costs $25 by March 31, and then $40. There’s also a choice on the same registration page to combine the 5K with a ticket to the Pittsburgh Pirates June 28 Polish-American Heritage Night for $40.

Dyngus Day is a tradition from Poland that technically occurs the Monday after Easter, according to Mrozek.

She said in the tradition’s early days, Polish men would douse women with water, perhaps to show affection. Or they women would be tapped with a pussy willow branch. In lieu of water, Mrozek said, volunteers touch each runner with an artificial pussy willow as they cross the finish line.

More information on the foundation can be found at, www.thekf.org.

Register at bit.ly/RegisterDyngusDash2023. Or visit getmeregistered.com and search for Dyngus Day. For information, contact Mrozek at mmrozek@frpark.com.