A history of the TCTC Red Dress Run (with fashion commentary)
2015: The Birth of Red Dress Mayhem Way back in 2015, we kicked off the TCTC Red Dress Hash Run. The only rule? You had to wear a red dress. Yes, even if your fashion sense screamed “orthopedic boot chic” (which, for the record, I totally rocked). Accessories were optional, but enthusiasm was mandatory. Babies showed up, proving early on that style starts young.
2016: Frostbite and Fashion Statements 2016 brought a cold snap so fierce, even the bravest runners considered swapping their dresses for parkas. Cameron and Sue Kent hosted, keeping us warm with their hospitality (and possibly hot chocolate). Cameron’s fashion evolution was on display: blue sleeves this year, red last year – trendsetter or just cold? Molly Nunn went full “red puffy jacket runway,” designer unknown but confidence off the charts.
2017: Lost in Lace I took the hosting reins in 2017, and the weather decided to be suspiciously warm. Mack Roebuck ditched the dress for a DIY ensemble of red ribbon and lace – Martha Stewart would be proud. Jeff Norris and Robert Hill, our “voluntold” hares, led the group on a scenic tour of Mount Tabor…by which I mean, they got everyone lost. If you spot a red-clad runner still wandering, send snacks.
2018: Swag and Subtlety Hosted again! This time, the American Heart Association brought swag and a mascot, raising the bar for event giveaways. Mack, ever the minimalist, stuck with lace and ribbon, proving you don’t need a dress to make a statement, just commitment and a flair for the dramatic.
In 2019: Prom Night Meets Capri Tights Chris Cutler and John Anderson took over as hares. My neighbors got a front-row seat to the spectacle: Chris in a prom dress, John in a long red tee and capri tights. The fashion police were called, but only to admire the creativity.
2020: Pre-Covid Layering Olympics Before the world shut down, 2020 hit us with another cold snap. Mack and Jeff led the charge, and Mack, true to form, bundled up in ribbon and lace. If there’s a medal for “Best Use of Craft Supplies in Subzero Temps,” Mack’s got it.
2021: The Year the Dresses Stayed in the Closet Thanks to Covid, the only running we did in 2021 was from our own fridges. The red dresses took a sabbatical, but the spirit lived on in our hearts – and maybe in our sweatpants.
And then I moved to Texas, so my version of the saga pauses here.
Lastly, let’s not forget the real reason behind all this: #AmericanHeartMonth. Because if you’re going to run around in a red dress, you might as well do it for a good cause and give your heart (and your neighbors) something to talk about.
What is a Hash Run?
A hash run is led by a “hare” who, given a 10-minute head start, leaves a trail of flour or “hash marks” for the pursuing pack to follow. Some marks are easily found, others are more obscure and require the lead runners to split up and look in several directions. This gives slower runners a chance to catch up. Hash runs often involve unusual areas or terrain through different neighborhoods in our city. They are not races; they are social runs meant to be enjoyed by elite racers, casual runners and families.
Red Dress Hash Run 2026
This year’s run is hosted by Yasmine Alimena and Marlena Westcott. You can find details and sign up information on Run Signup.