Annual St. Paddy's Day 5K in Naperville to benefit local youth

Registration is now underway for the 16th annual Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy's Day 5K on Saturday, March 15, in downtown Naperville.

Presented 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. 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,” said Marion Ruthig, Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise president. “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. Costume awards encourage participants to enter into the festive spirit of the event by donning their St. Patrick's Day finery for the run.

Participants receive a collectible St. Paddy's Day 5K 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 will be posted online. For more information and registration, visit www.napervillesunrise.com/events/5k.