North Americans have done it again. They have taken one of our traditions and made it cooler (see also, Halloween). The “Running of the Gingers” is a lively and relatively recent St. Patrick’s Day tradition. It is celebrated primarily at various universities and colleges across North America. It involves individuals with red hair, commonly referred to as “gingers”, participating in a short, spirited footrace, often cheered on by enthusiastic crowds of students.
@w_ynter Georgetown University’s 2025 Running of the Gingers🍾🌈💚👩🏼🦰🍀 #stpatricksday #stpaddysday #darty #gingers #redhead #ginger #redhair #runningofthegingers #georgetown #georgetownuniversity #hoyasaxa #dc #washingtondc
The event ties into St. Patrick’s Day due to the cultural association between red hair and Irish heritage. Of course, Ireland has one of the highest percentages of natural redheads in the world (around 10% of its population). While not an ancient tradition, it has gained popularity in recent years, fueled by social media and a playful celebration of uniqueness.
@mollyrobens run little leprechauns #queensuniversity #gingerrun #fyp #stpattiesday
Running of the Gingers: Origins
The origins of the “Running of the Gingers” seems to have evolved organically at different institutions, with some claiming long-standing traditions and others adopting it more recently. For example, the University of Dayton in Ohio has a well-documented version of the event. Red-haired students run through crowded streets during St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Participants have even created commemorative shirts, and the race has become a highlight of the holiday celebrations there, despite university officials occasionally urging participants to walk rather than sprint for safety reasons.
@ivy.faithh another year, another ginger run #fyp #queens #queensu #kingston #university #stpatricksday #gingerrun
At Boston College, the tradition began in 2023 with the “First Annual Ginger Race” in the Mods (modular housing area), where over 40 redheaded students dashed between Mod 3 and Mod 20, dressed in green attire like leprechaun hats and shamrock sunglasses.
By 2024, the second annual event drew an even larger crowd, with the Irish Society of Boston College adding a celebratory twist by handing out Irish snacks, candy, and potatoes near the finish line. Participants have described it as a moment of camaraderie and a way to honor their Celtic heritage.
Running of the Gingers: The Ginger Run
Other schools, such as Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, have their own versions. There, the “Ginger Run” takes place in the student ghetto, with redheads racing through throngs of cheering, often inebriated, onlookers.
Similarly, the University of Notre Dame hosts a notable “Run of the Gingers” at Legacy Village, where the high concentration of redheads (jokingly said to make up “50% of the student body”) adds to the event’s charm. Participants prepare with mock seriousness, “cramming carbs and hitting the gym,” before charging past a finish line marked by empty Guinness cans.
Spreading like Wildfire
The event has also spread to other campuses like the University of Pittsburgh, where the “Ginger Run” kicked off SempleFest in 2024, organised by the Pitt Irish Dance Club with a $50 prize for the winner.
@lil.miss.queensgael St Paddy’s 🍀🇹🇩 #queensuniversity #stpaddys
Beyond universities, the “Running of the Gingers” has appeared in community St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, such as the Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Mamaroneck, New York, which introduced a 1-mile run in recent years, welcoming both natural redheads and those sporting red wigs. There was also a “Ginger Dash” in Dallas on March 15, 2025, as part of “The How to be a Redhead Experience,” aiming to break a record for the largest gathering of redheads while celebrating with a short, viral-ready sprint.
The appeal of the “Running of the Gingers” lies in its blend of humor, community, and lighthearted pride. Red hair, found in only 1-2% of the global population, becomes a focal point of celebration on a holiday already steeped in Irish symbolism. This includes shamrocks, green attire, and leprechauns.
@iymici Post run festivities #ginger #fyp #gingerrun #parade #stpatricksday #mcgill #mtl #stpaddysday
Running of the Gingers: Social Media
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have boosted its visibility, with videos capturing the races going viral and inspiring more schools to join in. Participants often cite the sense of belonging it fosters, with comments like “it’s the gingers’ moment” or “a day to rally behind Irish heritage” reflecting the event’s spirit.
In essence, the “Running of the Gingers” is a modern St. Patrick’s Day tradition that celebrates redheads in a playful, communal way, connecting a rare physical trait to the holiday’s Irish roots. It’s a mix of athleticism, revelry, and cultural nod, growing each year as more communities embrace the chance to “paint the town red.”
