During St. Patrick’s Day weekend at Boston College, most would expect the color green to define celebrations, but at the fourth annual ginger run in the Mods, red took center stage.
“This year we had the biggest showing ever,” said Scanlon Mellowes, MCAS ’26 and an organizer for the race. “Last year, there was not even close to this many people.”
Though the run began at 5 p.m., most arrived long before then to celebrate the community and warm up.
“I’ve heard there’s some fast gingers on campus, but I’ve been waiting for this a long time,” Nolan Flanagan, MCAS ’29, said. “I did a little bit of speed training this week—I’m trying to win it.”
Parties large and small scattered the lawns and roads of Lower Campus, together forming a buzzing sea of red and green.
“Morale is high,” said John McArdle, MCAS ’26. “Everyone is here to play.”
Some runners mentioned stereotypes often directed at redheads, hoping to correct others’ assumptions.
“Gingers do have souls,” Flanagan said.
Others showed gratitude for the love they received from onlookers.
“I loved the support,” said Ella Kramer, MCAS ’26. “[Gingers] don’t normally get a lot of support, so it was really nice to see stuff like this.”
Those in the crowd came ready to celebrate. Chants, cheers, and screams energized the runners, pushing them swiftly to the finish line.
Despite the “ginger only” label on the event, organizers and participants highlighted acceptance for people of all hair colors.
“Whoever wants to be a ginger, like, we can lean into that and embrace that,” Mellowes said. “I’m kind of strawberry blonde, so I’m gonna lean into being ginger.”
Kramer agreed, sharing that gingers should avoid limiting their own community.
“It’s a touchy subject,” she said. “We really try not to exclude, though.”
Many who did not have the signature fiery-red hair instead boasted bright orange wigs and stood along the track, cheering on their peers.
But the record turnout also brought challenges. Due to the number of participants and the narrow track, overcrowding during the race proved a persistent issue.
“The beginning was tough,” Kramer said. “It was a little bit like a stampede.”
Others expressed concerns about their safety before racing.
“I’m a little nervous,” McArdle said, minutes before running. “My goal for the race is to not get trampled.”
Mellowes shared a similar sentiment after a painful experience at the front of the race last year.
“I just had to take the rear,” she said. “Last year I did fall and had to go to UHS.”
By the end of the day, the sea of green and orange dissipated back to their dorms, ready to continue celebrating the weekend.
“It’s such a fun way to start St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” Mellowes said. “It was so fun to see everyone out and supporting us gingers.”
