This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday and all day festivities concerning the Emerald Isle will take center stage at local pubs and restaurants prior to race day. But before rounds of green beer or pints of the plain cause heavy lifting, join a South Bay racing holiday in what has become one of the more popular 5K runs, community walks, and kid races around. This event, put on by the Village Runner, is open to the entire public, ready for toddlers, appreciated by weekend warriors, and usually won by professional endurance runners. The Saint Patrick’s Day 5K commences Sunday, March 16th, starting at 8 a.m. in Rivera Village, Redondo Beach.
There is a costume contest at the race which should encourage many runners to participate in green shamrocks, Leprechauns, Pots of Gold, and other St. Paddy’s Day themed outfits. Prize Money has been set for the race where both men and women runners can win the following dollar amounts: 1st place $200, second place $125, and third place $75.
Start of St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run (Image courtesy of Franken Enterprises)
The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk and Little Leprechaun Dash for the Gold expect over 2,500 runners to take the starting line in Riviera Village. A share of the proceeds will go to local schools after-school programs. There will be a team competition with the top five combined times by the fastest team earning special awards. Prices to enter include an early entry fee of $30 by March 8, 2014, and $35 after March 8, 2014. For the Kid’s Dash, the entry fee is $25 by 3/8/14 and $30 after 3/8/14. All participants will receive a Saint Patrick’s Day Run T-shirt.
Mike Ward is the owner of Village Runner and will be the race director for the 11th annual Saint Patrick’s Day 5K says, “Our course is flat, fast, scenic, but also challenging for the runners.” For more information or to register online visit www.villagerunner.com.
