Above / Julie Wiemerslage of Chicago takes first place in the women’s category during the annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K held on March 15, 2025, throughout downtown Naperville. (Photo courtesy Sunrise Rotary)
Despite wild windy weather on the heels of tornado watches and warnings on Sat., March 15, 850 runners from throughout Chicagoland took part in the 16th Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K hosted by The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise in downtown Naperville.
The event, sponsored by Gerald Subaru, Naperville Running Company and the City of Naperville SECA Fund, raised funds to support the youth philanthropy initiative of KidsMatter, in-school mental health counseling support offered by Grow Wellness and sports and wellness camps presented by the Naperville YMCA. Naperville Sunrise Rotary is dedicated to funding programs supporting mental health, leadership, education and wellbeing both locally and regionally as well as overseas.
The youngest registered runner was nine years old and the oldest over 75, although some younger tots, a stroller or two and some pups also ran.
Top male finisher was Chris Porst of Chicago with a time of 15:26. Top female finisher was Julie Wiemerslage of Chicago who ran the race in 17:01.
The costume contest was won by “leprechaun” Bryan Talkie of Channahon.
The post-race party featured green beer and corned beef sandwiches provided by Belgio’s Catering.
The St Paddy’s Day 5K is held annually in conjunction with the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Naperville. The run follows much of the parade route.
Editor’s Note / Additional Photos by James Hoch Photography
