Shamrock Beer 5K brings a party to downtown Arlington Heights

More than 1,800 people came out for Arlington Heights' first Shamrock 5K Beer Run, an unexpectedly large crowd for the part-race, part-St. Patty's Day beer-drinking party.

Runners were treated to 3-ounce cups of stout or IPA craft beers before the race, as well as five craft beer stops along the race route. And of course, there was more beer after the race.

Race director Tom Jordan credited the big turnout to the five charities and five breweries organizers worked with, but said many people came just because it's a good time. He said most people signed up in groups.

"Beer, it's magical," Jordan joked. "It's perfect weather. It's just warm enough to run, and just cold enough to keep the beer cold."

When the race began at 11 a.m. Saturday, a sea of people dressed in bright green T-shirts, tutus, shamrock socks, leprechaun hats, and other St. Patty's Day costumes made their way through downtown Arlington Heights.

"A little beer every mile? It kind of makes you go faster," joked Jen LaRue, of Arlington Heights. "Really, it's all about friends. All of the Arlington Heights races are fun."

The race wasn't officially timed, and there were no prizes for top finishers.

Twelve minutes after the starting horn sounded, the organizers had to coax people to leave the beer table near the starting line.

"Come on, guys. Get away from the beer and start running!" said one of the organizers.

Not all did. But the party was in full swing, and didn't end after the runners passed the finish line. Many stayed in downtown Arlington Heights, congregating around the Irish bar, Peggy Kinnane's, and Cortland's Garage.

"Sometimes there are serious runs, and sometimes there are fun runs. This is a fun one," said runner Jeff Sulski, of La Grange Park.

Some of the proceeds from the race will be donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Animal House Shelter, Protected Tomorrow Charities, Salute Inc. and Shelter Inc.