Copenhagen mightn’t be the first place that comes to mind when you think of St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the globe, but with its unique 3-legged tradition, the city appears on numerous lists of the best places in the world to celebrate the Irish national holiday.
The ultimate St. Patrick’s Day endurance test
Starting back in 2001 as "just a bit of craic", this Guinness-sponsored fundraiser is certainly a different way to spend the day. The race requires both skill and balance as racers are tied together in teams of two and asked to move at a steady pace through a 2.6 km route. There are pitstops at 5 of the city’s pubs, and racers drink a beer in each one.
In 2022, racers can look forward to some improvement including new leg-ties. For many years, duct tape was used, and although effective, it wasn’t very sustainable. So, this year racers will be tied with reusable Velcro leg-ties which they’re asked to return to any of the pubs on route.
And, even if you're not in Denmark this St. Patrick’s Day, you can still be part of Shamrock Love and maybe even win a trip for two people to Dublin’s fair city.
Greening with meaning
The 3-Legged Charity Race fundraises under the name of Shamrock Love, and each year, Shamrock Love raises money for 3 charities— one for each leaf of the shamrock and one for each leg of the 3 legged race. Since 2007, Shamrock Love has donated over $82,618 (~€74,803) to various children’s charities.
- In Denmark, Shamrock Love supports Danske Hospitalsklovne, who visit children in hospitals and institutions, creating unforgettable moments full of play and smiles.
Since 2012, $20,583 (~€18,636) has been donated to the hospital clowns. - The second charity is LauraLynn - Ireland’s only children’s hospice. They provide palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Since 2015, over $12,869 (~€11,648) has been donated to LauraLynn. - Shamrock Love’s third charity is CCAFO, a grassroots NGO in Cambodia. They run a village-based preschool program and English language projects.
Since 2010, over $24,452 (~€22,129) has been donated to CCAFO. In 2016, the race’s money was used to build the CCAFO English Language Centre in Kampong Speu Province.
Sowing the seeds of Shamrock Love
For the last two years, like so many other fundraising events, the world-renowned 3-Legged Charity Race was canceled. But despite this, Shamrock Love continued fundraising.
According to organizer Siobhán Kelleher-Petersen:
“After the race was canceled in 2020, we continued fundraising and the response was just amazing- we raised $2,227 (~€2,015) for our 3 charities. The money sent to CCAFO was used to buy bars of soap and hygiene kits for children at 19 village preschools. It was a small donation, but it made a world of difference to our charities, especially at such an uncertain time.”
All money raised by Shamrock Love will be donated to Danske Hospitalsklovne, LauraLynn, and CCAFO.
Donate to Win: Trip to Dublin
The 3-Legged Charity Race is one part of the fundraising, and in March 2022, Shamrock Love is giving away a special prize to one lucky donor.
“Thanks to Guinness, one lucky donor will win a trip for two people to Dublin including a Guinness Day Out. Anyone who donates will be in with a chance to win and with such a brilliant prize we’re hoping lots of people will donate and share our giveaway. In March 2022, we want to keep sowing the seeds of Shamrock Love.”
Everyone’s raring to go
It’s been over two decades since the 3-legged race first took to the streets of Copenhagen. In that time, the race has built up an incredible community of racers, volunteers, and supporters. And, after the last two years, everyone is excited and raring to go.
“We can’t wait to be reunited with all our 3-legged legends and friends. The pubs are open and ready to welcome everyone again and we have a feeling this year will be a party like no other.”
Do you want to be a part of Shamrock Love?
You can enter Shamrock Love’s Donate to Win competition by donating a minimum of $7.50 (or €7) to PayPal or GoFundMe. Find out more on our website.
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