5K launches Naperville’s St. Pat’s events
Along the St. Paddy’s Day 5K route through downtown Naperville, there’ll be all sorts of people lined up cheering wildly. It’s all about you, runner.
They’re there to support your running hopes and dreams, runner. Go get ’em.
Or (just maybe) those fans are lined up for the parade that starts after the race.
Either way, it’s a win-win for people wanting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the fun and festive crowds likely to gather Saturday in downtown Naperville.
The second annual St. Paddy’s day race hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise leaps off at 8 a.m. from near Centennial Beach and travels much of the standard parade route.
“You can pretend that they’re there to watch you run, but they’re really there to watch the parade,” said Rich Cullen, who heads the race’s computer registration and is a member of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. “It just ties in so well, and I think that’s why it was such a big success last year.”
And it remains a success this year with an at-capacity crowd of 2,200 runners. Registration sold out three weeks in advance of the race, shocking organizers.
The first year, running enthusiasts warned that a race so early in the year — the earliest of any local 5Ks — might be slow to catch on. The race quickly surpassed initial estimates, with organizers borrowing ideas from Naperville’s annual Turkey Trot 5K to help them with the planing.
The family-friendly event inspires funny costumes and green hair.
“They’re geared up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s one of the earlier races of the season so it’s the kickoff to the running season for a lot of runners,” said Kevin Gensler of Naperville, the race’s director and a member of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise.
One of the main attractions of the race is that it takes place on much of the same route as the parade.
“You get some of the early spectators who come early to watch the race prior to the parade, and there’s more spectators on the route who don’t know anybody in particular who is running because they’re there to reserve their spot.”
Cash awards go to the top three overall runners, as well as the top three in each age group.
This year, runners will start the day at registration in an oversized tent in the Centennial Beach parking lot, 500 W. Jackson Ave.
Following the race, contestants can enjoy a complimentary green beer and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before heading off to the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.
Proceeds from the event go to provide health-related services to those in need through Family Shelter Service, Samaritan Interfaith, and the Edward Foundation’s KidsCare Campaign.
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise hosts the run in cooperation with the West Suburban Irish, which is in charge of the parade.
For information, call (630) 728-6917 or visit stpaddysday5K.com.
If you go
What: St. Paddys Day 5K
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 17
Where: Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
Cost: Free to watch; registration closed to runners
Info: (630) 728-6917 or stpaddysday5K.com