Embrace the festive spirit of St. Patrick's Day at the iconic St. Patrick's Day Dash, Seattle's largest single-distance fun run, returning to the Emerald City on March 15, 2026. This beloved 5K tradition, now in its 42nd year, invites runners and walkers of all ages to experience a vibrant course that winds through the heart of Seattle. Starting under the shadow of the Space Needle within the Seattle Center, participants will journey through the bustling South Lake Union neighborhood, showcasing the distinctive Amazon Campus and its Spheres, before an out-and-back section along Aurora Avenue. The relatively flat city course culminates in a triumphant finish back at the Seattle Center International Fountain. Typical race day conditions in mid-March offer pleasant running weather, with historical highs around 54°F and lows around 39°F, and only a 19% chance of precipitation.

The St. Patrick's Day Dash is renowned for its lively atmosphere, where a sea of green-clad participants fills the streets, making it one of the Northwest's premier running parties. Runners will be energized by a dedicated Brooks Cheer Zone along the route, adding to the celebratory mood. Beyond the 5K, younger participants can join the Kids Leprechaun Lap, a fun 1K loop within the Seattle Center grounds. This family-friendly event fosters community spirit and has a long-standing reputation for supporting various Pacific Northwest charitable organizations.

The celebration continues well past the finish line at the lively Guinness Post-Dash Bash, located just steps away inside Fisher Pavilion. Here, runners 21 and over can toast their accomplishments with a pint of Guinness while enjoying live music and traditional Irish dancers. The festivities extend to the Irish Heritage Club Festival within the Seattle Center Armory, offering giveaways, engaging costume contests, and family-friendly activities from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Conveniently, complimentary participant parking is available at Amazon garages in the South Lake Union area, making it easy to join this iconic St. Patrick's Day celebration.