Go Green: 12 St. Patrick’s Day Races Near Philadelphia

St. Paddy’s Day is right around the corner, which probably means you’re taking stock of every green item in your wardrobe right about now. If you want to celebrate with a little fitness this year (and save the drinking til later), we’ve found a dozen St. Paddy’s races in the region that offer something for everyone—even a finish-line Guinness or two.

Saturday, March 9th

Shamrock Shuffle
Come out and support the Sacred Heart School with a 5K through Havertown. T-shirts and goodie bags will be provided to all preregistered runners. In addition, all participants will receive post-race refreshments and enjoy a special appearance from Sacred Heart’s own Lucky Leprechaun.

$30 prior to race, $35 on race day, March 9th at 10:30 a.m., Sacred Heart School, 109 North Manoa Road, Havertown.

Sunday, March 10th

Village Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day Shock Run
Come dressed in your most shocking outfit (electric green, I guess?) to help the Village Tavern raise funds to get more defibrillators in the community. Afterwards, join participants at the restaurant for a free pint of Guinness and a luncheon.

$35, March 10th at 10 a.m., The Village Tavern, 511 Stump Road, North Wales.

Warminster St. Pat’s Day 5K
Join two-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion Scott Tinley at this 5K, which takes place at the former Johnsville Naval Air Station in Bucks County. Following the race, hear Tinley’s story over a round of drinks at Tony’s Place Bar and Grille.

$30 before March 8th, $40 on race day, March 10th at 10 a.m., Warminster Community Park, Johnsville Boulevard and Veteran’s Way, Warminster.

Thursday, March 14th

Hooligan Hustle St. Paddy’s Eve-Eve-Eve 5K
For those of you who can’t wait to get in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit, join Pretzel City Sports three days early at the Hooligan Hustle. With a clock at finish, light refreshments and a free beer, you’ll be plenty entertained.

$25, March 14th at 6:30 p.m., Trooper Thorn’s Irish Beef House, 451 Morgantown Road, Reading.

Saturday, March 16th

O’Hara Leprechaun Run
Help raise funds for a much-needed renovation of Cardinal O’Hara High School’s track by joining the first annual Leprechaun Run 5K. Refreshments, prizes and water stations will be offered to all participants.

$25, March 16th at 10 a.m., Cardinal O’Hara High School, 1701 South Sproul Road, Springfield.

Paddy Whacks St. Paddy’s Day Dash
Join in the first annual Paddy Whacks St. Paddy’s Day Dash (say that ten times fast) and support Jimbo’s Squad in its mission to provide comfort for all patients at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Following the 5K, there will be a post-race bash with music provided by Sláinte.

$30, March 16th at 9:30 a.m., Paddy Whacks Pub, 2711 Comly Road, Philadelphia.

West Chester St. Pat’s 5K
Celebrate Irish-style with the St. Pat’s 5K in downtown West Chester. After the race, head on over the Kildare’s for some awesome post-race festivities, including refreshments and drink specials.

$25, March 16th at 8 a.m., Kildare’s Pub, 18 West Gay Street, West Chester.

Looney Leprechaun 10K & 2-Mile Fun Run
This 60-percent paved-road, 40-percent trail race provides a unique 10K experience for seasoned runners and beginners alike. For those not quite ready for a six-mile run, there’s the backwards two-mile fun run, where running backwards is encouraged, but not mandatory. All participants will receive a pancake breakfast and beer following the race.

$30 for 10K, $15 for fun run, March 16th at 9 a.m., Tyler State Park Center for The Arts, 10 Stable Mill Road, Richboro.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 5K
Join the Notre Dame Club of Philadelphia for its 10th annual race in Wissahickon Valley. All proceeds go to the St. Malachy Roman Catholic School, helping the school’s 200 students and the 45 percent of families that live in the St. Malachy area who are below the poverty line.

$25, March 16th at 9 a.m., Valley Green, Fairmount Park, West Valley Green Road, Philadelphia.

Run4Luck 4-Miler
The Run4Luck 4-Miler is back for its eighth annual race. In addition to an updated course and new chip-timing, there will also be post-race refreshments and door prizes!

$25, March 16th at 9:30 a.m., Lancaster County Day School, 725 Hamilton Road, Lancaster.

Leprechaun Run
Join in on this Philadelphia tradition since 1984 and support the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. The recent move to the Navy Yard has allowed for a beautiful, flat and fast course that runners and walkers of all types will enjoy.

$30 after, March 16th at 9:30 a.m., The Philadelphia Navy Yard, 4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia

Sunday, March 17th

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K & 10K
Along with Irish dancers, a beer garden and other St. Patrick’s Day activities, this race raises colon cancer awareness. With special guests, such as Mayor Nutter and Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Reilly, this is sure to be a great event!

$27 before March 10th, $32 after, race day is March 17th at 9 a.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of Republic, Philadelphia.

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