Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

Race Description

Welcome to Irish Fest: In cooperation with the Irish American Society of County Will, the Prairie State Road Runners proudly presents the annual Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k. This unique race starts a parade, runs along the parade route, and is included with festival activities. After competing on a fast and flat road race course, runners get admission to the main tent for awards, food and beverages.

Sweeper Information

• Sweeper: There will be a Sweeper at the race that will maintain a 20-minute per mile pace.
• Stay Ahead: Please stay ahead of the sweeper to be guaranteed an official time at the finish.
• Course Marshals: Course marshals will be on course until the sweeper passes them.

Awards

• Distribution: We will hand out overall and age group winner awards in the main festival tent starting at around 12:30 pm until around 3 pm.
• Unpicked Awards: Any awards not picked up on race day can be picked at Fitness Premier Manhattan on Monday, March 9, between 5 pm and 7 pm.
• Trophy Categories: Overall male and female winners will receive trophies. Overall Master male and female (40 and over) will receive trophies.
• Additional Medals: All other age groups will receive medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Parking

• Limited Parking: Because of the parade, parking in town is very limited.
• Recommended Parking: We strongly advise all race participants to park at the Metra station at 15601 W. Sweedler.
• Bus Service: Bus service at the Metra Station begins at 9:30am, with the last bus leaving for the start line at 10:30am.
• Race Start Location: The race begins at the intersection of North and Thelma streets near St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup

• Packet Pickup Time: The Metra station is also the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30 am.
• Bus Service: Bus service from the Metra station to the starting line will be provided.
• Registration Deadline: ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 10:00AM ON RACE DAY OR IF RACE HITS CAPACITY.

Early Packet Pickup

• Location: Race packets may be picked up on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1 pm until 8 pm.
• Festival Buttons: When registering for the race, you will have the option to purchase additional festival buttons at the special pre-sale price of $10 each.
• Accuracy: Though we strive for accuracy, please make sure you receive the correct amount of festival buttons before leaving the fitness center.

Shuttle Service

• Start Time: Shuttle bus service begins at 9:30am with the last bus scheduled to leave Metra Station at 10:30am.
• Warm-Up Run: If you miss the bus, you will have a one-mile warm-up run from the lot to the starting line.
• Gear Check: There will be no gear check, so please leave your extra things in your car.
• Return Bus: After the race, a bus at Anna McDonald school takes you back to the Metra parking lot, with the last bus leaving at 12:30pm.

The Race

• Start Line Location: Start line is at Thelma Ave and North St.
• Finish Line Location: The finish line is at Second St and Eastern Ave.
• Timing: There will be timing mats at the start and finish!

Post-Race Party

• Finisher Snacks: Snacks and water will be available at the finish line.
• Main Tent Activities: Participants will want to make their way to the main festival tent for hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase.
• Live Entertainment: The post-race party and awards will be inside the main tent featuring live music, Irish dancing, and a bagpipe performance!
• Beverage Coupon: All race participants will receive a coupon on their race bib to redeem for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

Volunteers Needed

• Volunteer Registration: Register as a volunteer and receive an Irish Fest Admission Button.
• No Sweat: You don’t even have to break a sweat!

Race Shirts

• Ordering Time: Race shirts are ordered about a month before race day.
• Extra Shirts: We will order extra shirts, but if you register closer to race day, extra shirts will be on a first come first basis.
• Available Inventory: Based on available inventory when you register.

Race URL

For more information, visit Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k.