Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

There will be a Sweeper at the race that will maintain a 20-minute per mile pace. 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. We will hand out overall and age group winner awards in the main festival tent starting at around 12:30 pm until around 3 pm. Any awards not picked up on race day can be picked at Fitness Premier Manhattan on Monday, March 9, between 3 pm and 5 pm. 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. This unique race starts a parade, runs along the parade route, and is included with festival activities. After competing on a fast and flat road race course, runners get admission to the main tent for awards, food and beverages. Parking: Because of the parade, parking in town is very limited. 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 service at the Metra Station begins at 9:30am. The last bus leaving the Metra Station for the start line is 10:30am. The race begins at the intersection of North and Thelma streets near St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Christ. Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup: The Metra station is also the designated area for race day packet pickup starting at 8:30 am with bus service from there to the starting line. (See below for early packet pickup). ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9:00AM ON RACE DAY. Early Packet Pickup: Race packets may be picked up on Friday at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1pm until 8 pm. When registering for the race, you will have the option to purchase additional festival buttons at the special pre-sale price of $10 each. Though we strive for accuracy, please make sure you receive the correct amount of festival buttons before leaving the fitness center. The buttons are goo