Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

Race Information

• Date: March 6, 2027
• Location: 15601 Sweedler Road, Manhattan, IL
• Race URL: Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

Course Information

• Sweeper: There will be a Sweeper at the race that will maintain a 20-minute per mile pace. 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.
• Starting Point: Start line is at Thelma Ave and North St.
• Finish Line: The finish line is at Second St and Eastern Ave. Timing mats will be at the start and finish!

Awards

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

Event Details

• Post-race Party: Snacks and water will be available at the finish line, along with hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase.
• Entertainment: Live music, Irish dancing, and a bagpipe performance will take place during the post-race awards.
• Complimentary Drink: All race participants will receive a coupon on their race bib for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.
• Volunteer Opportunity: Register as a volunteer and receive Irish Fest Admission Button. No need to break a sweat!

Registration & Packet Pickup

• Race Day Registration: Packet pickup starts at 8:30 am at the Metra station, with bus service to the starting line.
• Online Registration: Closes at 10:00 AM on race day or if race reaches capacity.
• Early Packet Pickup: Available on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1 pm until 8 pm.
• Festival Buttons: Option to purchase buttons at the special pre-sale price of $10 each during registration for festival admission.

Transportation & Parking

• Parking: Limited parking due to the parade: participants are advised to park at the Metra station and use provided shuttle buses.
• Shuttle Service: Begins at 9:30 am, last bus leaves at 10:30 am. There will be no gear check.
• Post-Race Transportation: Bus service from Anna McDonald school back to Metra parking lot: last bus leaves at 12:30pm.
• Warm-up Option: If you miss the bus, there is a one-mile warm-up run from the lot to the starting line.

Additional Information

• Race Shirts: Ordered about a month before race day: extra shirts available on a first-come basis based on inventory.
• Awards Ceremony: Overall and age group winner awards will be distributed in the main festival tent starting at around 12:30 pm until around 3 pm.
• Unclaimed Awards: Any awards not picked up on race day can be retrieved at Manhattan Public Library on March 8, 2027, between 4:30 pm and 6 pm.
• Welcome: In cooperation with the Irish American Society of County Will, the Prairie State Road Runners proudly presents the annual Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k.