Stellar St. Patrick’s Day Runs
May the luck o’ the Irish bring you a PR this March.
Whether you are an experienced runner wanting to get a race under your belt before a goal spring marathon or a newbie who hasn’t ever competed in a “green” event, St. Patrick’s Day-themed races across the country are a perfect way to log a run in March. The only requirements: sneakers, lots of green garb, or full-on St. Patty’s costumes. (A designated driver after enjoying the postrace beer garden doesn’t hurt either.)
Here are some of our favorite tried and true St. Pat’s runs that you can try year after year.
Leprechaun Chase 10K
Where: Omaha, Nebraska
When: March 7, 2020
Why run it: It’s ladies first in this St. Patty’s themed chase—females get a 5.5 minute head start from the event’s home base. If a woman manages to hold on for the win, all “lasses” receive a free green beer at the after party. If not, the “lads” drink for free. Almost all the runners sport St. Patrick’s Day attire, whether in costume or just in green apparel, and traditional bagpipers (in traditional kilts) along the course encourage runners to go for the green. Registration is closed for 2020, but be sure to mark your calendars for next year.
Las Vegas St. Patrick’s Day Run
Where: Boulder City, Nevada
When: March 14, 2020
Why run it: If bagpipes and a lot of green don’t quite cut it for you (but this race has got lots of both), then maybe some captivating scenery will do the trick. This 1 mile, 5K, 12K and half marathon course runs along the Lake Mead Recreational National Park in Nevada. Bonus: Participants get to run through the Historic Railroad Trail that takes you through tunnels leading up to Hoover Dam.
F5 St. Patrick’s Day Dash
Where: Seattle, Washington
When: March 15, 2020
Why run it: A sea of green runners march their way through downtown Seattle—the Emerald City—in this certified 5K that’s celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. Being Seattle, that means rain, or snow the size of tea-saucers in one memorable year, says Nicole Morrison, the foundation's director. Upon crossing the finish line, runners head to the Post Dash Bash to enjoy some local brews and pub fare.
The West End St. Pat’s 5K
Where: Allentown, Pennsylvania
When: March 15, 2020
Why run it: Regardless of your heritage, this race will have you feeling the luck o’ the Irish—the last names on all runners’ bibs are amended to begin with an “O.” The flat, looped course, which also serves as part of the postrace parade route, runs through West End Allentown, a neighborhood known for its brick row homes and architecture dating back to 1920.
St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
When: March 15, 2020
Why run it: A Boston tradition since 1940, celebrate St. Patty’s Day in the most Irish city in America. It’s safe to say that this 5K race is a pretty spirited run, where dressing up in full Irish gear is encouraged. The 5K race starts and ends at the Edgerley Family South Boston Club, ending right before the famous South Boston parade. All of the proceeds from the race go to the youth and teens at the Boys & Girls Club. This course is not exactly a flat one, but is great if you’re looking to get in some hills. Be aware: the course is not certified and may be a few yards shy of 5K.
Bay Area Runners Club St. Patrick’s Day Races
Where: Bay City, Michigan
When: March 15, 2020
Why run it: Each year it’s about 6,000 runners strong, and who doesn’t love a postrace parade? Take part in a race full of runners decked out in green, then watch as floats and bands march past in Bay City’s annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. The 5K is one of the oldest races in Michigan, and it’s flat and chip-timed—great for a PR. There’s also an 8K held two hours before the 5K, and, if you’re really up for the challenge, take on the Irish Double, which means completing the 8K race and then the 5K race. If you’re looking for shorter distances, there’s the Leprechaun Run the day before—in which you can choose between 1/4-mile, 1/2-mile, and 1-mile races.
St. Pat’s 5K
Where: Providence, Rhode Island
When: March 21, 2020
Register
Why run it: If you are looking to get back in touch with the hallowed heritage of Irish-America, this is a race for you. Part of the “Tour de Patrick,” the St. Pat’s 5K is the middle stop in this three-race competition in Rhode Island that allows runners to compile their distance and times for a month long celebration of running and St. Patrick. The St. Pat’s 5K starts and ends at the Rhode Island Statehouse and follows a flat and scenic route along the state’s capital before funneling runners right into the St. Patrick’s Day parade that begins just an hour after race time.
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
Where: Holyoke, Massachusetts
When: March 21, 2020
Register
Why run it: This year will mark the 44th anniversary of this Massachusetts road race. Dubbed as a “miniature Boston” by Olympian John Treacy, the certified 10K course is hilly until a little past halfway where it levels out. It is also lined by crowds each step of the way, so expect plenty of motivation to reach a PR. Runners and crowds empty into the second largest St. Patrick’s Day block party following the race, says race director Brian Donoghue.
St. Pat’s Get to the Green
Where: Columbia, South Carolina
When: March 21, 2020
Why run it: Not only does your bib grant you an entry into this 10K, 5K or 1 mile race (their website says it’s Columbia’s largest one), but it also gets you a ticket into the St. Pat’s Festival. This celebration takes over the streets of South Carolina’s capital and includes a parade, the Pot O’ Gold Playland for kids, and lots of fun.
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
When: March 20-22, 2020
Why run it: More than 30,000 runners descend on Virginia Beach to participate in one of the five available events during the Shamrock Marathon weekend. With a full, half, 8K, and kids-only Leprechaun Dash, the entire family can participate throughout the weekend. The event also hosts a “Final Mile” race for elementary school children who log 25.2 miles leading up to the race, and they complete their final mile on the course.
For fitness overachievers, the weekend offers two race challenges: the Dolphin Challenge, which includes the 8K on Saturday and half on Sunday, and the Whale Challenge (sold out for 2020) includes the 8K on Saturday and full marathon Sunday. (You’ll deserve a postrace brew for that.) Thankfully, the course is flat.
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Where: Chicago, Illinois
When: March 22, 2020
Why run it: A longstanding tradition in Chicago, this race sells out every year with a maximum capacity of 25,000 runners, drawing thousands of runners like the Chicago Marathon in October. If you’re interested in toeing the line among the elites, this field attracts some of the nation's best every year. Enjoy a flat and scenic course route, which weaves through downtown Chicago, starting and finishing in Grant Park.
After a summer internship with Runner’s World in 2017, McGee has somehow convinced the team to let her keep writing for them as a freelancer. Her work for both Runner’s World and Bicycling consists mostly of news and human interest pieces. Her favorite stories to tell are ones of “ordinary” people doing extraordinary things through running and cycling, whether accomplishing personal goals, overcoming severe trials, or transforming their communities. Her writing has also appeared on ACTIVE and Paste Magazine. When she’s not running or eating, you can probably find her still eating.
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