St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and so are the celebrations. From beloved annual parades and parties to notable pub crawls, from dining and drink specials to family-friendly festivals, the Mid-Atlantic region offers plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion.
Also, with the warmer weather that comes with the burgeoning spring season, many folks are looking to get out and be more active around this time of year as it is. That’s why St. Patrick’s Day marathons, half-marathons, and leprechaun fun runs are all the rage. These fun-themed races may vary in location, duration, and what they entail, but most share at least the same basic commonalities, including options for dressing up (full-fledged costumes for bolder folks), post-race celebrations, and even awards or acknowledgments. Many of these events also benefit a worthy cause, making for an especially uplifting motivator for participation.
You will find no shortage of St. Patrick’s Day-themed racing events throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Some are even counted among longstanding annual traditions. While listing them all would be difficult to do, here are some of the most notable St. Patrick’s Day Races throughout Delmarva, specifically in the coming weeks.
Delaware
Shamrock Shuffle 10M
Made possible by Seashore Striders, the 19th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 10-miler, 5K, and new 2-person relay will take place on Sunday, March 16. The site location will be at 1 Main Beach of Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. Learn more about the event or register today on the official website.
St. Patrick’s Revenge 5K
Here’s another gem of a race happening March 16, this one in Trolley Square, in Wilmington. Race time begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by post-race fun at Logan House at 1701 Delaware Avenue. Explore the event website for all other details.
Maryland
Altra Kelly Benefits St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K
Arguably the biggest St. Patrick’s Day race in the state, the yearly tradition continues on March 16, beginning at 1 p.m. The starting location will be at Charles and Mulberry Streets with the course finishing at Power Plant Live! Click here for more information or to register.
St. Patricks Day 5K
Another event made possible by Seashore Striders, this annual run in Denton, Maryland will be continuing a tradition 17 years in the making on March 15 at 9 a.m. Sponsored by Caroline County Recreation and Parks, the race course will take runners through the historic streets of Denton. Visit the event site to learn more or register.
St. Patrick’s Day Board Walk 5K
Ocean City, Maryland, is having its own 5K race in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This one will be taking place March 15 at 9 a.m. at 4th Street directly behind Shenanigans Irish Pub. The course will lead south toward the Inlet, circling the pier, before continuing to the tram station, making a 180-degree turn back north, past Shenanigans, and then up to 16th Street. Runners will complete another 180-degree turn, heading south once again down to 4th Street. Click here for all the details.
St. Patrick’s Day Run Fest
Multiple race offerings will be offered in Hagerstown in light of their St. Patrick’s Day Run Fest on March 15. This includes the Clover Kids Run, One-Mile Run/Walk, the 5K Run/Walk, and the 8K Run. The location for the event will be 25 W. Church Street Hagerstown. Explore the website to learn more.
Virginia
Annual Grand Slamrock 5K
Kicking off a tradition four years in the making is the Annual Grand Slamrock 5K in Fredericksburg. This year’s event will occur on March 15 at 42 Jackie Robinson Way, with three offerings. These include the Leprechaun Chase 1/2 Mile, Strike It Lucky 1 Mile, and the Grand Slamrock, of course. Click here for all additional details.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K
Taking place at the Reston Town Center on March 16 is this lucky 5K fun run. Race time begins promptly at 8 a.m. Visit the website to learn more or register.
Shamrock Hill Run
It’s a twice-as-nice offering that comes with attending this annual Roanoke tradition, made possible by Roanoke Catholic School. First, you have the 5K Run, then the alternate 1-Mile Run/Walk. Both begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at 621 North Jefferson Street. Click here to read more.
St. Patty’s Leprechaun 5K, 10K, & 1M
This Fredericksburg happening will be from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on March 15 at Old Mill Park, located on 2410 Caroline Street. Here runners (and walkers) have three options to choose from—the 1-Miler, 10K, and 5K, based alongside the Rappahannock River. Visit the event link to learn more.
St. Paddy’s Day 5K
Hosted by the Lynchburg Road Runners, Riverside Runners, and Park View Community Mission, get ready for a newer tradition in the making with this grand race on March 15. The event location will be 10 9th Street, Lynchburg, with a post-race party at The Water Dog Restaurant. Click the website for details or to register.
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend
This is hands-down the biggest deal in the state. Taking place over a series of three days, between March 14 and 16, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend is a Virginia Beach tradition 53 years in the making. That makes it the oldest, continually held St. Patrick’s Day race in the area. Because the details are so profuse, I recommended reading them, and all details are listed on the event site.
Again, there are plenty of additional races and other St. Patrick’s Day-themed events to take in throughout the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Whichever ones you choose to pursue, know that you have a wealth of awesome options to rival any pot of gold.