Above / Along with a portrayal of St. Patrick, the race is kicked off by the Green Man pace setter. Note the registration fee increases after Fri., Jan. 31. Early Bird Registration is $35/adult and $25/child (ages 14 & under).
Registration is filling fast for the 2020 Gerald Subaru Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K to be held beginning at 8AM on Saturday, March 14, in Downtown Naperville. Held in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, the St. Paddy’s Day 5K is held immediately prior to the annual WSI St. Patrick’s Day Parade that steps off at 10AM.
The race is one of the first certified 5K’s of the running season in the area, and often sells out. Proceeds from the 11th annual event will benefit Naperville YMCA After-School programs and Inside Out Club. Both programs are dedicated to character-building activities for Naperville area youth.
This event is for racers, runners, and walkers. The course is professionally chip-timed to ensure race time accuracy. Those registering before race day receive a technical running shirt. Race Day registration will be available at a premium.
Cash awards are presented to the overall top three men’s and women’s runners. Awards will also be provided to the top three finishers in each age group.
Walkers will follow the runners across the start line, with their time being recorded from the passing of the start line to the finish line.
St. Patrick’s Day-themed costumes welcome
St Patrick’s Day themed costumes and hats are encouraged. Costume awards encourage participants to enter into the festive spirit of the event. The race is kicked off by St. Patrick and the Green Man pace setter.
“This event is well supported by the community, among runners and families alike. It’s a great way to kick off your running season, have fun and just enjoy the spirit of the community,” noted Race Chairman Mark Schroeder. “We are proud of the positive comments we get every year about how well the race is conducted.”
St. Patrick’s Parade follows St. Paddy’s Day Run
The race course begins and ends at Centennial Beach in the heart of downtown Naperville and follows the parade route. The 5K will start at 8AM, in plenty of time to watch the parade which kicks off at 10AM.
Spectators for the parade often arrive early to cheer on runners. Every intersection along the parade route will be supervised by parade marshals to ensure safety.
Participants can enjoy green beer and refreshments following the race. A number of local sponsors will have display and information booths at the event.
Folks representing the West Suburban Irish all along the race route again will be selling commemorative scarfs, a collectible fundraising item for the group that hosts the parade.
“We are pleased to present this 5K event to help provide support young people in our community,” stated Sunrise Rotary club president Becky Anderson. “The St. Paddy’s Day 5K has become one of Naperville’s most-anticipated signature events. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate family and fun as part of one of Naperville’s favorite holiday celebrations. Club members and community volunteers work side by side at the event and then join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade immediately following the run.”
Register online!
The early registration fee is $35/adult and $25/child (ages 14 & under). After January 31, 2020, the registration fee for an adult is $40/adult. Registration remains unchanged at $25/child (ages 14 & under).
For information, online registration and packet pickup details, visit www.StPaddysDay5K.org.
Submitted by Deb Newman for the Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunshine / PN File Photos
Editor’s Note / The Green Man, Steve Essig, was among the organizers of the first Rotary Rides, a bicycle ride that was first introduced in 1997 by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunrise. This summer the 24th Annual Rotary Ride with three cycling routes returns on Sun., Aug. 9, beginning and ending at Commissioners Park. For more info/registration, visit Rotary Ride, now hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown. Thanks, Rotary Sunrise!
For more information about the WSI St. Patrick’s Parade and other events and programs hosted by the West Suburban Irish in March and throughout the year, visit www.wsirish.org.
