Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k
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Event Overview
The Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k is a 5 km road race held in Manhattan, Illinois, on March 7, 2026. The race is organized in cooperation with the Irish American Society of County Will and the Prairie State Road Runners. It serves as the official start of the local parade, with runners following the parade route.
Course & Logistics
The course is described as fast and flat. The race starts at the intersection of Thelma Avenue and North Street, near St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Christ. The finish line is at Second Street and Eastern Avenue. Timing mats will be placed at the start and finish lines.
Due to limited parking in town because of the parade, participants are strongly advised to park at the Metra station at 15601 W. Sweedler Road. Shuttle bus service from the Metra station to the start line begins at 9:30 AM, with the last bus leaving at 10:30 AM. After the race, a bus at Anna McDonald school will transport runners back to the Metra parking lot.
Race Details & Requirements
A sweeper will maintain a 20-minute per mile pace; runners must stay ahead of the sweeper to receive an official finish time. There is no race day registration. Packet pickup is available on race day at the Metra station starting at 8:30 AM, or on the Friday before at Fitness Premier in Manhattan from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Awards & Post-Race Festivities
Overall and age group winner awards will be distributed in the main festival tent starting around 12:30 PM. Awards not collected on race day can be picked up at Fitness Premier Manhattan on the following Monday. All race participants receive a coupon on their race bib for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage.
After the race, snacks and water are available at the finish line. The main festival tent offers hot sandwiches, beer, and other beverages for purchase, along with live music, Irish dancing, and bagpipe performances. Participants aged 14 and under receive a participation award at the finish line. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
