10 Running Races To Help You Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Set a new PR at one of these 10 St. Patrick's Day-themed running races around the country.
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race; Photo: Brian Donoghue
St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching on March 17 and though many cities—including Chicago—have already observed the holiday, there are still plenty of opportunities to don some green apparel and get festive. We’ve rounded up some of the top St. Patrick’s Day races to get you in the spirit. May the luck of the Irish carry you to a PR!
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Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
March 18, Holyoke, Mass.
holyokestpatricksroadrace.org
Started in 1976, this annual 10K starts at 1 p.m., giving you plenty of time to celebrate before and after you run. If your friends aren’t runners (gasp!) there is a 2-mile walk option, as well, so everyone can get in on the festivities. The fun isn’t over after the race is done—the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Sunday.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run Presented By Idaho Central Credit Union
March 18, Boise, Idaho
ymcatvidaho.org
A race for all ages—thanks to the 1-mile, 5K and 5-mile options—the festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. at Julia Davis Park. There are awards for the top five best dressed Leprechauns or Green Runners—so get into the holiday spirit—and stick around for healthy snacks after the race. All proceeds benefit the YMCA Team Idaho Track and Cross Country Club.
Six Tunnels To Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon; Photo: Craig Towler
Six Tunnels To Hoover Dam St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon
March 18, Clark County, Nev.
bbscrun.com
This half marathon, 12K, 5K and 1-Mile race let’s runners spend their St. Patrick’s Day weekend on the Historic Railroad Trail. Hosted by BBSC Endurance Running, all race distances have stunning views with half-marathoners getting to see Lake Mead National Park as they pass through all of the six tunnels leading to Hoover Dam. Finishers receive a medal and post-race food to fuel after the race.
Mt. Bachelor Rotary Club St. Patrick’s Day Dash
March 18, Bend, Ore.
bendstpatsdash.com
This family-friendly 5K brings all of Bend to Deschutes Brewery & Public House, where you’ll find the start and finish line. The race benefits the central Oregon non-profit The Kids Center and if you can’t run, you can still donate to the charity and come out to support the runners by being a volunteer. Be sure to dress up and you might win the honor of Best St. Paddy’s Day Costume.
St. Paddy’s Day Mile
March 18; Sioux Falls, S.D.
stpattysdaymile.com
If you’re running the Mile, get ready for a point-to-point race that starts in front of the Federal Building. Runners who’d like a little more distance head to Fawick Park to run either a 5K or 5-Mile race. Run all of the races and you’ll be dubbed an Irishman. Be sure to stick around for the post-race party and sip on some Irishman Ale, a special brew created in honor of the race!
St. Patrick’s Day 4-Miler
March 18, Powell, Ohio
m3ssports.com
Head to the Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club for this unique race distance, complete with a post-race party and concert. The event, coined as a “running and walking event slightly veiled as a reason to party” is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Stick around the club after for their family-friendly festivities and enjoy a complimentary beer to rehydrate.
adidas Shamrock Run Portland; Photo: Desiree Hamilton
adidas Shamrock Run Portland
March 19, Portland, Ore.
shamrockrunportland.com
This is how Portland kicks off their running season, making it a must-do event. Head to Waterfront Park and run either the half marathon, 15K, 8K or 5K to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. At the finish line, all runners can celebrate at the Widmer Brothers Beergarden with a cold beer, listen to live music and chow down on hot Shamrock Irish potato soup.
Boys & Girls Club of Boston St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
March 19, Boston, Mass.
www.bgcb.org
This Boston tradition was started in 1940 and the 5K is still going strong today. The race starts and finishes in the southern part of town at the Edgerley Family South Boston Club. Don’t leave after the race or you’ll miss the Southie Parade at 1 p.m. This is a big race, so get there early!
St. Patrick’s Day 15K & 5K; Photo: Kristen Leitao
St. Patrick’s Day 15K and 5K
March 19, Temecula, Calif.
sandyfeetevents.com
This year marks the 6th annual running of the St. Patrick’s Day 15K and 5K located in Cougar Vineyard & Winery. Celebrate the holiday in wine country while running through vineyards and country roads. After making your way through the challenging hilly course, you’ll be greeted at the finish line with a glass of green bubbly.
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K; Photo: Cindy Hamilton
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
April 2, Chicago, Ill.
shamrockshuffle.com
Chicago is known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and they keep the party going as long as they can. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K may be in April, but everyone comes out with Irish spirit to kick off running season in the city. You’ll start and finish this iconic race in Grant Park and weave your way through downtown Chicago, along the way!
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