Annual Dyngus Dash celebrates Polish roots

More than 300 registrants, 660 pierogies and one lively polka band helped to warm things up during the fifth annual Dyngus Dash 5K in North Park.

Despite a cool drizzle, Polish and non-Polish people descended on the race course April 26 at the parking lot of the North Park’s boathouse to celebrate an old Polish celebration, Dyngus Day, which traditionally occurs the first Monday after Easter.

Race participant Tammy Santibanez of Pine was one of those celebrants. She even posed for a photo with Pirates Pierogi Pete and Polish mascot Evie the Eagle. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds mascot, AMO, also was there.

“I’m Polish, and my grandparents immigrated from Poland. I love pierogies, chrusciki and all things Polish,” said Santibanez, adding her maiden name is Mieczkowski.

Clevelanders Becky Brake, who has Polish roots, and Jess King, who only has Polish roots on Dyngus Day, also attended last year’s event. They like to listen to The Chardon Polka Band, also of Cleveland, which returned to play for this year’s dash.

“I’m very into Dyngus Day, being Polish and The Chardon Band,” Brake said.

Patti Pintur of Beaver celebrated turning 71 that day at the race. She said it was her granddaughter Bella’s idea.

“She’s now part of the Polish club,” Pintur said.

Pierogies Plus, located in McKees Rocks, once again prepared and donated 55 dozen pierogies for the event, said owner Helena Mannarino, who came over from Poland in the 1970s. She married an Italian, hence the last name.

The event is sponsored by The Kosciuszko Foundation-Pittsburgh.

“I want to contribute to that organization that is a blessing to Polish people by providing scholarships and helping those in need,” Mannarino said.

Also, she said they are in the business of making pierogies and “making people happy.”

With 335 registrants, race organizers were pleased to surpass their 300-person goal. Ten people also registered for the virtual option, said Michele Mrozek, one of the organizers.

First place in the open men’s category went to Jacob Montag, 34, of Valencia with a clock time of 18:52. The open women’s top runner went to Nicole Skfanowich, 40, with a clock time of 21:26, according to the race results.

Mrozek of Arlington, Va., estimated they raised more than $4,500. Fellow race coordinator, Jenene Cwalina of Franklin Park, emceed the actual day of the event because Mrozek’s daughter gave birth to twin boys, Noah and Adrian, early that morning.

The next Dyngus Dash is set for April 11, 2026, in North Park.

Mrozek said the foundation is planning another fundraiser in the fall. A private church tour of St. Stanislaus Kostka will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The cost to attend the fundraiser is $30 for members of The Kosciuszko Foundation-Pittsburgh and $60 for nonmembers. The tour will include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, as well as performances by the North Allegheny Strolling Strings. For tickets, visit bit.ly/StStanTour.

Visit dyngusdash.com for details about the foundation, including how to become a member.