Dyngus Day Dash comes to North Park on April 23

Anyone who likes pierogies, polkas and running will find the perfect opportunity in the Dyngus Day Dash 5K on April 23 in North Park, which will help aid the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation is hosting the event. Proceeds will be split between supporting those affected from the attacks in Ukraine and the chapter’s scholarship fund, according to Mary Louise Ellena, chapter president.

Poland has been a major refugee center for many of those escaping the war in Ukraine.

“We are thrilled that … Kosciuszko Foundation, the center for Polish art, culture and science in the United States, (is getting) publicity for this major humanitarian endeavor. Poles worldwide are united in helping our Ukrainian neighbors,” said Ellena, of Gibsonia.

This is the second year for the Dyngus Day Dash 5k walk/run, with a start time of 9 a.m., at the Boat House on Pearce Mill Road in North Park. The cost is $40 for those 18 and older, and $20 for ages 5 to 17. Those younger than 5 with an accompanying adult 5k participant can participate at no cost, according to Michele Mrozek, race chair and member of the Kosciuszko Foundation.

Dyngus Day is a tradition in Poland that technically occurs the Monday after Easter, according to Mrozek.

She said in the early days of the tradition Polish men would douse women with water, perhaps to show affection. Or the women would be tapped with a pussy willow branch. In lieu of water, Mrozek said organizers touch each runner with an artificial pussy willow branch as he or she crosses the finish line.

Mrozek said organizers incorporate lots of Polish-themed fun, such as bringing in The Chardon Polka Band from Cleveland.

“They’re not your mom-and-dad’s polka band. They’re young and energetic,” she said.

Runners will be able to chow down on pierogies from Pierogies Plus located in McKees Rocks, whose owner is a Polish immigrant, Mrozek said.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ race mascot Pierogi Pete and the Polish Eagle, a symbol of Poland, will be on hand.

T-shirts will also be given to registered racers on a first-come, first-serve basis, she said.

And a local artist from Cranberry will create ceramic pierogies to be awarded as medals to race winners in several categories.

Originally from Aliquippa, Mrozek, who now lives in Arlington, Va., said Dyngus Day is a “family-friendly” event that’s really about community and bringing in a younger audience. And she hopes to add members to the foundation.

Mrozek said she may dress up as the Polish Eagle, but any volunteers who wish to do so can contact her at 703-237-0085.

To register for the Dyngus Day Dash visit bit.ly/RegisterDyngusDash2020. Or search for the Dyngus Day Dash Facebook page.

More information about the foundation can be found at thekf.org.