Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K raises funds for local charities

Posted March 15, 2026 11:15 pm

By Deb Newman, Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise,

The Sunrise Rotary St. Paddy’s Day 5K returned for the 17th year on Saturday, March 14, in downtown Naperville.

Presented in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, the 5K is held 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 food, housing and mental health for youth and families. Beneficiaries for the 2026 are DuPage PADS, Loaves & Fishes and NAMI DuPage.

Overall Winners:

Women

1.) Anna Kenig-Ziesler, Chicago, 16:16

2.) Julie Wiemerslage, Chicago, 16:37

3.) Kristin Dailey, Elmhurst, 16:50

Men

1.) Darren Barlow, Chicago, 15:20

2.) Nick Licari, 15:32

3.) Ben Bocher, Naperville, 15:36

Youngest Winners (Ages 1-9)

Calais Young, Naperville

Lucas Pavlovski, Naperville

Oldest Winners (Ages 75-99)

Marilyn Liebich, Huntley

Jim Varney, Aurora

Costume Winners:

Jennifer Russian, Kristin White, Jennifer Armstrong and Nikki Sefton, all of Naperville