On Saturday, March 18, downtown Tama will be bustling with activity as runners, walkers, and families gather for the first Irish Stampede 5K. This fun and free event for all ages is being organized by The Pump, a downtown bar and grill. Some of the race’s biggest sponsors include the Tama Livestock Auction, Iowa Premium, and Sandhill Auto Salvage.

The race starts at 11 a.m. at the Eagles Club, located at 112 E Third St. in Tama. Participants will follow a course through the streets of Tama, passing by multiple local bars. After taking off from the Eagles, racers will pass the Tama Legion, VFW and will finish back at The Pump. Awards will be given out after the race for the top finishers, and a prize will also be given for the most green outfit, so participants are encouraged to show off their Irish spirit and creativity.

Long sleeve shirts can be purchased for $25 on Saturday to commemorate the event. The stunning logo that dons the poster and shirts for the Irish Stampede is the work of two people: art teacher and co-owner of The Pump Nathan Doran and STC senior Arro Lyons. Doran sketched, in pencil, the bovine logo for the race, then let his advanced art student take it from there. Skilled in digital drawing and color combination, this young artist made the image you see. “I knew Arro would do a great job taking my drawing and improving it,” Doran said. The Gaelic bull is just one more way the Irish Stampede is bringing together locals of all ages.

The Pump co-owner and Irish Stampede organizer Jeff Niedermann is enthusiastic about Saturday’s festivities. “We kept the best bits and added to it,” Niedermann said while speaking about this year’s event. Being able to keep the local tradition of the race going was the main goal for this community.

After the race, participants can enjoy free burgers provided by Iowa Premium. An after-party will be held where there will be a DJ and plenty of specials at the bar.

This year marks the first running of the Irish Stampede 5K here in the community. The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce, which usually organizes the LepBarChaun Dash, shifted its focus to preparing for RAGBRAI, which is coming to the community in July. However, thanks to the efforts of The Pump and its sponsors, an event is still taking place and promises to be a memorable experience for all participants.