Palmer's Dash for Gold

Dash through Palmer for  a St. Paddy's Day celebration on Sunday, March 15th, 2026. Choose between our Kids 1 Mile, 5K or 10K course that takes you through our beloved town of Palmer, Alaska. We will be starting and ending at the Palmer Train Depot. This year our event is in collaboration with the Friends of the Palmer Public Library Inc to celebrate the building of Palmer's NEW LIBRARY.  All proceeds will go to the Friends of the Palmer Public Library Inc specifically for the purchase of new furniture and equipment.  

Not only will there be the Dash for Gold but participants will have the opportunity to take part in a PARADE before the race, listen to some live Irish music and enjoy the celebration of our new Public library.

Registration: Online Registration ONLY.  There will be no day of registration for the 5K or 10K.
(OPENS February 20th!)

*Registration will close at 8:00 am on March 14th!

Bib Pickup:  
1:00-2:00 pm at Palmer Community Center/Train Depot

2:00-2:20pm Parade: All WELCOME - will start at the Train Depot

Race  Start: 
-10K 2:30pm 

-5K 2:40pm

-Kids 1 mile 2:50pm 

Giveaways:  A one of a kind library book bag for the first 200 to register for the 10K or 5K and a cute train whistle for the first 100 kids to register for the Kids 1 mile.

Awards: Awards will be given to the top three men and women in the 5K and 10K. Kids in the 1 mile will receive a Healthy Futures Medal.

Food and Drinks: There will be water, electrolytes and light snacks at the end of the race.  If you are feeling a little hungry post race, Palmer offers a wonderful variety of delicious places to grab a bite.

Gear: Conditions can be variable in March.  The pavements may be clear although they may also still have some snow and perhaps ice. Please be prepared for the conditions on that day. 

Cancellation of the race:  In the event of extreme weather the race may need to be cancelled.  The call to cancel the race will be made March 15th @ 12pm.  Participants will be notified via email and AKtive Soles' Facebook page.