Runnin O’ the Green 3 weeks away

Feb. 22--With just 21 days left before the Runnin O' the Green charity pub crawl, founder Larry Knoblich and his team of volunteers are working hard to make the run fun and safe for everyone.

"I'm just really praying for good weather," said Knoblich, who said he wore long johns during last year's Runnin O' the Green for the first time in decades.

This year's event is March 15, and the pub crawl will feature 10 bars, starting at the Frontier Fort and finishing at Shady's. The new bar on the block is Los Molcajetes, which has been added to the list even though the run's cards had already been printed.

"It's stop No. 8 1/2," Knoblich said.

The other bars along the run, in order, are the Buff, Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Wonder Bar Sports Bar, the Corner Bar, the Office and the All Vets Club.

As usual, proceeds from the run will go to local cancer patients and Elks Camp Grassick, which in the past has received more than $20,000 from the run. That money has purchased beds, mattresses, life jackets and fire extinguishers for the camp.

Some local people struggling with cancer will also receive money from the run to help them with expenses not paid by insurance.

"It makes me feel good to be able to help those people," Knoblich said.

This year, the run will also memorialize Jim Carlascio, a veteran and long-time community volunteer who passed away in July. The 2014 Runnin O' the Green T-shirt features an Irish flag, and "Jim'stown, ND" beneath it.

Carlascio often walked down the hill side-by-side with Knoblich during the run.

In 2012, Carlascio stood by the bridge to McElroy Park with a sign reminding people not to bring their alcoholic beverages with them lest they be cited and fined $50.

"It's a great day, let 'em have their fun," Carlascio said that day.

That 2012 run featured sunshine and warm weather, but the 2013 event had punishing cold temperatures. That likely kept people away, Knoblich said.

"I don't mind snow on the run because the kids like it, and it makes good video," Knoblich said.

For the first time this year, people will be able to register late at some stops along the route, where volunteers from the Elkettes will be stationed.

About 30 people help out during the run, not including the many groups that offer rides to participants or who sell soup, snacks or other things along the way.

Knoblich said the run would be "impossible" without the volunteers.

"It's been a pleasant thing for me, and very gratifying. My wife would keep telling me it'll be my legacy," Knoblich said. "I hope it'll go on forever."

Preregistration for the 36th annual Runnin O' the Green is $30, which includes a T-shirt.

People can also register on the day of the race for $10, which doesn't include a T-shirt.

Participants must be 21 years old, and should carry their IDs.

For more information or to download a registration form, visit www.runninothegreen.com. Forms can be mailed, along with the entry fee, to Wildside Creations Inc., 103 4th St. NE, Jamestown. Checks should be addressed to the Jamestown Elks #995.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at (701) 952-8453 or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

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