Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

15601 Sweedler Road, Manhattan IL

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

🍀 Race Details

Sweeper: There will be a Sweeper at the end of the race, they will maintain a 22-minute mile pace per mile. Please stay ahead of the sweeper to be guaranteed an official time at the finish. Course marshals will be on course until the sweeper passes them.
Winners Announcement: We will announce overall and age group winners at about 12:15pm at the finish line. 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.

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 Course: This unique race starts a parade, runs along the parade route, and is included with festival activities.
Post-Race Perks: 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, and take the buses that will be provided.
Bus Schedule: Bus service begins from the Metra Station at 9:30am. The last bus leaving the Metra Station for the start line is 10:30am.

Packet Pickup: The Metra station is also the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30am.
No Race Day Registration: THERE WILL NOT BE RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

Pickup Location: 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.
Plan Ahead: The buttons are good for admission to the festival that same evening, so you may want to plan to get your packet early.

Shuttle Start: Shuttle bus service begins at 9:30am. The last bus is scheduled to leave Metra Station at 10:30.
Warm-Up: If you miss the bus, you will have but a one-mile warm-up run from the lot to the starting line.
Return Buses: 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.

Snacks and Drinks: Snacks and water will be available at the finish line.
Main Festival Tent: Make your way to the main festival tent for hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase.
Entertainment: The post-race party features live music, Irish dancing, and bagpipe bands!
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.
Participation Award: All participants that are 14 and under will receive a participation award at the finish line.

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

Shirt Guarantee: 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 basis, based on available inventory when you register.

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