BEND, OR -- Organizers of Bend’s 8th annual St. Patty’s Day Dash have canceled the March 17th event. Lay it Out Events and Mt Bachelor Rotary say, with record snowfall in the last two weeks and the decreasing chance for much melting, they could not ensure the course will be safe and accessibly by race day. 

In a statement issued Wednesday, Mt. Bachelor Rotary Club President Zak Boone said, "The safety of all runners, vendors, and volunteers is our number one concern, and we simply couldn't push the decision out any longer with the uncertainties in the weather."  The club started the St. Patty's Day Dash in 2012. 

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Family Access Network (FAN). Registrations will be transferred to the Salmon Run, with proceeds still benefiting FAN. Or, participants can request a refund.