Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

🍀 Event Overview

• Event Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: 15601 Sweedler Road, Manhattan, IL
• Website: Manhattan Irish Fest 5k
• Championship Circuit: Selected as part of the R.R.C.A Championship circuit for Illinois!

🏃‍♂️ Race Details

• Time Limits: Sweeper at the end maintaining a 22-minute mile pace. Stay ahead to guarantee an official time.
• Awards Announcement: Overall and age group winners announced at approximately 12:15pm at the finish line.
• Unclaimed Awards: Available for pickup at the Prairie State Road Runners table at the main tent after 1pm and at Fitness Premier on March 10.
• Post-Race Activities: Admission to the main tent for awards, food, and beverages after the race.

🚗 Parking Information

• Limited Parking: Parking in town is very limited due to the parade.
• Recommended Parking: Park at the Metra station at 15601 W. Sweedler and take the provided buses.
• Bus Schedule: Service starts at 9:30am, last bus leaves at 10:30am.
• Race Start Location: Intersection of North and Thelma streets, near St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Christ.

📄 Registration and Packet Pickup

• Race Day Registration: Available at the Metra station starting at 8:30am, closing at 10:00am.
• Early Packet Pickup: Available on March 7 at Fitness Premier in Manhattan.
• Festival Buttons: Option to purchase additional festival buttons for $10 each during registration.
• Verification: Ensure correct amount of festival buttons before leaving the fitness center.

🚌 Shuttle Service

• Shuttle Start Time: Begins at 9:30am from Metra Station.
• Last Shuttle: Leaves the Metra Station at 10:30am.
• Missing the Bus: One-mile warm-up run required to reach the starting line if missed.
• Return Shuttle: Bus from Anna McDonald school back to the Metra parking lot, last leaving at 12:30pm.

🏁 The Race

• Certification: The course is certified (USATF #IL15029).
• Timing: Timing mats placed at the start and finish.
• Finish Line Amenities: Snacks and water will be available, plus additional food and drinks in the main tent.
• Entertainment: On-stage entertainment including live music, Irish dancing, and bagpipe bands at the post-race party.

🏆 Awards

• Trophies: Overall male and female winners receive trophies.
• Master Awards: Overall Master Male and Female (40 and over) receive trophies.
• Medals: Medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in age groups 14 and Under: and 5-year age groups from 15-19 to 80 and over.
• Participation Awards: All participants 14 and under receive a participation award at the finish line.

🙋‍♂️ Volunteers Needed

• Volunteer Perks: Register to volunteer and receive Irish Fest Admission Button and coupons.
• Effort Required: You won’t have to break a sweat!

📅 Registration Deadline

• Guaranteed Shirt: Last day to register for a guaranteed shirt in your desired size is February 9.
• Extra Shirts: Available on a first-come, first-serve basis after February 9 at packet pickup.