Nine St. Patrick’s Day Races Near Philadelphia
Itching to suit up in your best leprechaun garb and run a race on St. Paddy’s Day? Here are nine fun St. Patrick’s Day runs near Philadelphia that’ll get you in the spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Shock Run
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations a week early by participating in this scenic run though Montgomery Township. Wear your most “shocking” outfit (we’re thinking that means green) for a chance to win prizes for the best costume. Enjoy a pint of Guinness beer and luncheon at the Village Tavern after the race.
$30 before March 7 includes long sleeve T-shirt, $25 day of race excludes shirt, March 11, 10 a.m., Village Tavern, 511 Stump Road, North Wales.
The Leprechaun 5-Mile Run & 2-Mile Fun Walk
The Leprechaun Run benefits the Special Olympics Philadelphia Chapter, an organization that aims to provide training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Long sleeve T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and walkers, and same day registrants will receive shirts while supplies last.
$25 until March 6, $30 afterwards, March 10, 9:00 a.m., Art Museum, Martin Luther King Drive, Philadelphia.
Farmers Insurance St. Patty’s Day 5K
This race benefits organizations in Morris County, New Jersey. The course is relatively flat with just one hill in the middle. There will be a random drawing for great merchandise, prizes and gift certificates, and delicious post-race refreshments will be served. The first 1,500 registrants will receive shirts.
$25 until March 3, $35 until March 8, March 10, 10 a.m., Ginty Field, 49 Woodland Avenue, Morristown.
Escape the city for a beautiful run in Fairmount Park. The race benefits St. Malachy’s School in North Philadelphia. For those who would prefer not to run, there is also a one-mile walk.
$18 advance registration, $25 race day registration; March 17, 9 a.m., Forbidden Drive, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
St. Patty’s Scramble 6K and 15K Trail Run
You won’t get bored on this ever-twisting trail run surrounding Blue Marsh Lake near Reading. The registration price includes a race T-shirt, prize drawings, and entry to a post-race party that includes soups and sandwiches provided by Ganly’s Irish Pub. Wear your most spirited green running gear for a chance to win a cash prize.
6K costs $25 until March 16, $35 on race day; 15K costs $30 until March 16, $40 on race day; March 18, 10:15 a.m., Ganly’s Pub, 500 Brownsville Road, Sinking Spring.
This race benefits the National Parkinson Foundation, which focuses on care, research, and supportive services for people with Parkinson’s disease. The race features chip timing, and T-shirts will be given to all participants while supplies last. Enjoy a post-race party (with beer, natch) and awards ceremony at Kelly’s Logan House.
$20 until March 7, $25 through race day; March 11, 12:30 p.m., Kelly’s Logan House, Delaware Avenue at N. Dupont Street, Wilmington, DE.
This race is organized by the Junior League of Lancaster, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, improving communities, and developing the potential of women. All pre-registrants will be entered in a drawing to win the “Relaxation & Fun in Lancaster” package, which includes an overnight stay at the Cork Factory Hotel, a $100 gift certificate to Penn Square Grill, a manicure or facial at Plum Spa and a BMW car rental for the weekend. There will also be cash prizes for top three male and female finishers, as well as top masters male and female. Post-race refreshments will be served.
$20 until March 7, $25 through race day; March 17, 9:30 a.m., Baker Field, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster.
Sacred Heart Shamrock Shuffle 5K
For the first time, Sacred Heart School is hosting a 5K run and family fun walk (1.2 miles). Proceeds will be used to fund the school’s infrastructure upgrades. All pre-registered runners and walkers (and the first 100 race-day registrants) will receive T-shirts and goodie bags. Post-race refreshments will be served.
$30 advance registration, $35 on race day; March 10, 10:30 a.m., Sacred Heart School, 109 N. Manoa Road, Havertown.
Hooligan Hustle St. Patty’s Eve-Eve 5K Race
If you’re not a morning runner, this 6:30 p.m. race is for you. Pre-registered runners will receive a shirt and race-day registrants will get them while supplies last. All participants are guaranteed a free beer, however! Post-race refreshments will be served.
$25, March 15, 6:30 p.m.,Trooper Thorn’s Irish Beef House, 451 Morgantown Road, Reading.
