Above / In early January, Sunrise Rotarians Jim Ensign and Nick Niemi were among volunteers who took down the illuminated holiday displays from NaperLights, mindful that registration and sponsorship opportunities soon would be open for the service club’s next event, Naperville Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day Fun Run. (PN Photo)
Registration is now underway for the 16th Annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K to take place beginning at 8AM on Sat., March 15, in Downtown Naperville. Presented in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, the St. Paddy’s Day 5K is held immediately prior to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The race is one of the first certified 5K’s of the running season in the area.
Proceeds from the event will benefit YMCA Sports and Wellness Camp Scholarships, Grow Wellness Counseling Support for District 204 Schools and KidsMatter Youth Philanthropy Initiative.

Lead Sponsors for the race are Gerald Subaru and Naperville Running Company. Corporate Sponsor opportunities, registration and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.napervillesunrise.com/events/5k.
“Funds raised from the St. Paddy’s Day 5K are critical to our club mission to help local youth and families,” stated Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise President Marion Ruthig in a news release. “Our club’s legacy over the past 34 years has been to support youth and families to ensure the next generation of community leaders. This event is also a fun part of the St. Patrick’s Day revelry in Naperville.”

St. Patrick’s Day-themed costumes and hats are encouraged. The annual presentation of costume awards gives participants a chance to enter into the festive spirit of the event by donning their St. Patrick’s Day finery for the run.
Participants receive a collectable St. Paddy’s Day5K technical running shirt. Prizes are awarded to the top overall male and female runners and commemorative prizes to the top three male and female runners per age division. Post-run refreshments will be offered in an open-air tent. Race times of participants will be posted online.
For more information and registration ($40 for adults and $35 under 14), visit www.napervillesunrise.com/events/5k.