In a wonkish tribute to the mathematical constant and an effort to integrate Ocean City schools and the community, the local school district will sponsor a 3.14-mile run to celebrate world Pi Day.
Race organizers are hoping to attract 314 runners for the 3.14-mile race Saturday, March 14, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s practical in solving any sort of problem involving circles, and as most young students know, the number is a bit “irrational” — it’s decimal calculation goes on forever without repeating itself.
The first 10 digits — 3.141592653 — are represented by the time and date of the run: 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 a.m. (Fun fact: the New York Times crossword puzzle recently featured a nifty mnemonic to remember the first eight digits: “How I Wish I Could Calculate Pie Easily.” Just count the letters of each word in the quote.)
The event also includes a children’s run/walk, which is, of course, a 314-yard dash. That event is open to 10-and-unders and goes off at 10:36 a.m. on March 14.
The 5K race starts at the Ocean City Primary School (500 block of West Avenue) and finishes on the boardwalk near the high school. The kids’ race will be on the boardwalk at Sixth Street.
Registration fee is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
A printable application form is attached at the bottom of this story and can be mailed or dropped off at the Primary School.
Pre-registration must be received by March 6, but race-day registration will be available.
Post-race activities include: pie-a-teacher, pie-eating contests, pizza-pie tossing, hula hooping and a small health fair. Entertainment, snacks and other refreshments will be provided.
The event is co-sponsored by the Ocean City Educators Association (OCEA).
Primary school teachers Carrie Merritt and Erin Porter are helping to organize the event, and they told the Ocean City Board of Education last week that they had originally anticipated about 100 runners. But 150 already are registered, and they’re now shooting for an even “pi” of 314.
