Sign up now for Naperville Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy's Day 5K March 11

Registration is now under way for the 14th annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy's Day 5K on Saturday, March 11, in downtown Naperville.

Held in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, the St. Paddy's Day 5K is held at 8 a.m., immediately prior to the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and returns to the traditional parade route this year.

The race is one of the first certified 5K's of the running season in the area. The St Paddy's Day 5K is presented by Gerald Cares, hosted by Naperville Running Company and funded in part by a grant from the Naperville Special Events and Community Arts Fund.

"With recent spring-like weather, we know runners are eager to get out and begin their running season," said race chair Ryan Siebert. "This is also an event for families and runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to stretch their legs and enjoy the St. Patrick's Day festivities in downtown Naperville while supporting great causes."

Proceeds from the event will benefit Inside Out Club fee assistance and character-building programs; Little Friends Family Respite Program expansion, and fee assistance for students attending Naperville YMCA Safe 'n Sound after school programming. Corporate sponsor opportunities, registration and volunteer openings can be found at the website www.StPaddysDay5k.com.

This is a day for the wearing of the green. Costume awards encourage participants to take part in the festive spirit of the event by donning their St. Patrick's Day finery for the run. Registrants receive a collectable St. Paddy's Day 5K technical running shirt. Cash 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 and suitable libations will be offered in the start-finish tent. Race times will be posted online.

"The St. Paddy's Day 5K is critical to our club mission to help local youth and families. Our club's legacy over the past 32 years has been to meet youth and families with care and support in all of life's circumstances. This event is also a fun kick-off to St. Patrick's Day revelry in Naperville," said Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise President Stephanie Randall.

For more information and registration, visit www.StPaddysDay5k.com.