St. Paddy's Day 5K to benefit local youth and support downtown Naperville merchants
The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise invites individual runners and families to sign up for the St. Paddy's Day 5K, which will be held as a virtual run. The club has teamed up with Downtown Naperville to support local restaurants and retailers during this challenging time.
All registered runners will be eligible to win gift cards to Downtown Naperville stores, including a "Golden Ticket" $100 Downtown Naperville gift card courtesy of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. A second "Golden Ticket" will include two $50 Athleta gifts cards.
The Downtown Naperville Alliance has donated 100 additional Downtown Gift Cards and several other merchants are donating gift cards, all of which will be randomly included in runner Swag Packets.
Runners, ranging from under age 10 to 75-99, will receive a link to log their race time via email from March 1-31, 2021.
Runners may run the traditional St. Paddy's Day 5K route through downtown Naperville or a 5K course of their own choice. All participant details are at www.stpaddysday5k.org. Race results will be posted at the website after March 31.
Race participants will receive their swag packets via mail, which will include a men's or women's technical race shirt, run bib, St. Paddy's Day beads, Downtown Naperville coupons, and the chance to receive randomly included gift cards donated by Downtown Merchants and the Downtown Naperville Alliance.
Additional discounts and offers from downtown businesses will be listed on the Downtown Naperville website, redeemable through March by presenting a 2021 St. Paddy's Day 5K race bib. Check back often for additional offers. The top three male and female runners will receive awards of $150, $100, and $50, respectively. Top three male and female finishers in every age division will receive a commemorative award. Costumed runners may email photos to run@napervillesunrise.org to be entered into the costume contest. Photos may be included on the St. Paddy's Day 5K Facebook page.
"The 5K is one of our largest fundraisers supporting local charities and so it's important to find a way to continue the event this year, despite the restrictions," says Mike Tenuta, president of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. "We are proud to be supporting the COVID-19 relief efforts of 360 Youth Services, Teen-Parent Connection and KidsMatter as they provide shelter, food, supplies and mental health support to our communities teens and young adults."
Title Sponsor for the 2021 St. Paddy's Day 5K is Gerald Subaru of Naperville. Presenting Sponsors include Naperville Running Company and Belgio's Catering. Sponsors are still being sought to support the Run. For more information, visit www.stpaddysday5k.org.
"We want to keep this fundraising Sunrise Rotary 5K active for years to come, but this year provides a unique opportunity to help support the stores and restaurants that make Downtown Naperville great," says Race Director and Rotarian Ryan Siebert. "Sign up early to enjoy a fun run and support your community."
For more information and to register, visit www.stpaddysday5k.org.