Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

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 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.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

• Award Ceremony: We will announce overall and age group winners at about 12:15pm at the finish line.
• Unclaimed Awards: Any awards not picked up will be available at the Prairie State Road Runners table under the main tent after 1pm and available for pick up at Fitness Premier in Manhattan on Monday.

🅿️ Parking Information

• 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 begins from the Metra Station at 9:30am. The last bus leaving the Metra Station for the start line is 10:30am.
• Start Line: The race forms at the intersection of North and Thelma streets, near St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Christ.

🎟️ Registration and Packet Pickup

• Race Day Pickup: The Metra station is also the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30am.
• Note: THERE WILL NOT BE RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
• Early Packet Pickup: Race packets may be picked up on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1pm until 8pm.
• Festival Buttons: You will have the option to purchase additional festival buttons at the special presale price of $10 each.

🚌 Shuttle Service

• Shuttle Start: Shuttle bus service begins at 9:30am. The last bus is scheduled to leave Metra Station at 10:30.
• Warm-Up Run: 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 be leaving for the Metra Station at 12:30pm.

🏁 The Race

The course is certified (USATF #IL15029). There will be timing mats at the start and finish!

🎉 Post-race Party

• Finish Line Snacks: 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.

🏆 Awards

• Trophies: Overall male and female winners will receive trophies. Overall Master Male and Female (40 and over) will receive trophies.
• Medals: All other age groups will receive medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
• Age Groups: Age groups are: 14 and Under: and 5-year age groups beginning with 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, etc. to 80 and over.
• Participation Award: All participants that are 14 and under will receive a participation award at the finish line.

🤝 Volunteers

Register as a volunteer and receive an Irish Fest Admission Button. You don't even have to break a sweat!

📅 Registration Deadline

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

🔗 Race Information

For more details on registration and the event, please visit Manhattan Irish Fest 5k.