Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

15601 Sweedler Road, Manhattan IL

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Race Details

Pace: There will be a Sweeper at the end of the race, they will maintain a 22-minute mile pace per mile.
Official Time: 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.

Timing: We will announce overall and age group winners at about 12:15pm at the finish line.
Pickup Details: Any awards not picked up will be available at the Prairie State Road Runners table under the main tent after 1pm.
Alternate Pickup: Awards will also be available for pickup at Fitness Premier in Manhattan on Monday.

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

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: Buses will be provided, starting from the Metra Station at 9:30am. Last bus leaves at 10:30am.
Race Starting Point: The race forms at the intersection of North and Thelma streets, near St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Christ.

Packet Pickup: The Metra station is also the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30am.
Bus Service: Bus service will be available from the Metra station to the starting line.
No Registration: THERE WILL NOT BE RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

Date and Time: Race packets may be picked up on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1pm until 8pm.
Festival Buttons: When registering for the race, you will have the option to purchase additional festival buttons at the special presale 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.
Admission: The buttons are good for admission to the festival that same evening, so you may want to plan to get your packet early.

Shuttle Times: Shuttle bus service begins at 9:30am. The last bus is scheduled to leave Metra Station at 10:30am.
Alternative Option: If you miss the bus, you will have but 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.
Post-Race Shuttle: After the race, a bus at Anna McDonald school takes you back to the Metra parking lot. The last bus from the finish area will leave for the Metra Station at 12:30pm.

Available Refreshments: Snacks and water will be available at the finish line.
Main Festival Tent: Participants will want to make their way to the main festival tent for hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase.
Entertainment: The post-race party includes live music, Irish dancing, and bagpipe bands!
Free Beverage Coupons: All race participants will receive coupons in their race packets, to redeem for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

Overall Winners: Overall male and female winners will receive trophies.
Master Winners: Overall Master Male and Female (40 and over) will receive trophies.
Age Group Medals: All other age groups will receive medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Age Categories: Age groups are: 14 and Under: and 5-year age groups beginning with 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, etc. to 80 and over.

Volunteer Registration: Register as a volunteer and receive Irish Fest Admission Button.
Effort: You don’t even have to break a sweat!

Shirt Deadline: Last day to register for guaranteed shirt in your desired size is February 9th!
Extra Shirts: We will order extra shirts if you register after the 9, but extra shirts will be on a first-come, first-served basis, based on available inventory when you register.

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