Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

Race Overview

• Date: March 7, 2026
• Location: 15601 Sweedler Road, Manhattan, IL
• Race URL: Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k
• Course Certification: USATF #IL15029

Sweeper Information

• Pacing: There will be a Sweeper at the end of the race, maintaining a 22-minute mile pace per mile.
• Official Time: 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 Ceremony

• Announcement Time: Overall and age group winners will be announced at about 12:15pm at the finish line.
• Award Pickup: Any awards not picked up will be available at the Prairie State Road Runners table under the main tent after 1pm.
• Alternative Pickup: Awards can also be picked up at Fitness Premier in Manhattan on Monday.

Race Details

• 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.
• Course: The race starts a parade, runs along the parade route, and is included with festival activities.
• Post-Race Admission: After competing, runners get admission to the main tent for awards, food, and beverages.

Parking Information

• Parking Limitations: Because of the parade, parking in town is very limited.
• Recommended Location: 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, with the last bus leaving at 10:30am.
• Start Line Location: 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 the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30am.
• Registration: There will not be race day registration.
• Early Pickup: Race packets may be picked up on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1pm until 8pm.
• Festival Buttons: When registering, you can purchase additional festival buttons at a special presale price of $10 each.

Shuttle Service

• Bus Schedule: Shuttle bus service begins at 9:30am, with the last bus leaving at 10:30am.
• Warm-up Option: If you miss the bus, you will have a one-mile warm-up run from the lot to the starting line.
• Post-Race Return: A bus at Anna McDonald school will take you back to the Metra parking lot.
• Final Departure: The last bus from the finish area will leave for the Metra Station at 12:30pm.

Post-Race Activities

• Snacks: Snacks and water will be available at the finish line.
• Main Tent Offerings: Participants will find hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase in the main festival tent.
• Entertainment: The post-race party will feature live music, Irish dancing, and bagpipe bands on stage.
• Coupons: All race participants will receive coupons in their race packets for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

Awards

• Trophies: Overall male and female winners will receive trophies.
• Master Awards: Overall Master Male and Female (40 and over) will also 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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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

Registration Deadline

• Guaranteed Shirt: The last day to register for a guaranteed shirt in your desired size is February 9th.
• Extra Shirts: Extra shirts will be on a first-come, first-served basis for those registering after the 9th.