No water will be getting thrown at the participants of the fifth annual Dyngus Dash scheduled for April 26 in North Park.
In the early days of the Polish holiday, men in Poland would toss water on the women or tap them with a pussy willow as a way to show affection, said Michele Mrozek, race organizer.
While this traditionally occured the first Monday after Easter, women would get to return the favor the next day, but by throwing dishes at the men, as noted on dyngusday.com.
The celebration will be more lighthearted at the upcoming Dyngus Dash, a 5K set to begin at 9 a.m. at the Harmony Shelter in North Park, Mrozek said.
“This fun run is sponsored by the Kosciuszko Foundation-Pittsburgh. Last year, over 250 participants ran or walked along the Boathouse,” she said.
In celebration of the race’s fifth anniversary, a commemorative medal will be given to participants. Those who register by March 31 will receive a T-shirt designed by Pittsburgh artist Kristen Barczynski.
Registration fees are $30 until March 31 and $40 until the day of the race.
The race has raised more than $20,000 since it began five years ago, supporting programs and scholarship funds for the Pittsburgh chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation, Mrozek said.
“Pittsburgh has a rich Polish cultural presence. Like many industrial cities in the United States, Pittsburgh attracted large numbers of Polish immigrants in the early 20th century. These immigrants established communities, churches and cultural organizations that have helped to preserve Polish traditions in the city. The Kosciuszko Foundation, founded in 1925, was one of these organizations,” said Mrozek, a member of the Kosciuszko Foundation board.
In recent years, the Kosciuszko Foundation has supported the production of “Perseverance” by Pittsburgh’s Prime Stage Theater and a Chopin concert at Duquesne University to raise funds to send educators to teach English in Poland. It also supported the Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival.
The foundation provided funding toward the renovation of the stained-glass windows at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Pittsburgh, Mrozek said.
“We work to preserve our distinct cultural traditions to provide a strong sense of identity and connection to our Polish heritage,” said Mrozek, whose Polish grandparents first settled in Aliquippa.
Those who came to the race last year will be pleased to see the return of the Chardon Polka Band from Cleveland.
Mrozek describes them as a “really fun, quirky polka band” who “have been part of the race from year one.”
The event also will feature mascots, including a Pittsburgh Pirate Pierogi, the Pittsburgh Riverhound’s AMO and Evie the Eagle, the last a symbol of Poland since the Middle Ages representing Polish strength and fortitude, said Mrozek, whose granddaughter also is named Evie.
Runners and walkers can gear up at the beginning of the race with beverages from the Roaming Bean Coffee truck and can refuel afterward with pierogies from local restaurant Pierogies Plus.
“Pierogies made just the way babcia would make them,” said Mrozek, whose Polish grandparents first settled in Aliquippa.
An “Amazing Dyngus Dash Raffle” will feature baskets with items from Duquesne University, the Chardon Polka Band, tickets to the Riverhounds and the inaugural season of the Pittsburgh Riveters, and more.
A virtual option is also is available for those who cannot make it to the race in person, said Mrozek, who now lives in Arlington, Va.
For questions, contact Mrozek at mmrozek@frpark.com. To register for the event, visit dyngusdash.com.