Shamrock Suffle set in Harmony
HARMONY — Runners of all ages and abilities are preparing to participate in the Zelienople Rotary Club’s annual Shamrock Shuffle.
“It’s our 10th anniversary,” said Joella Baker, event founder. “It’s a great event. We love that it’s running on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The shuffle will be from 7:30 a.m. to around noon March 17 at Grace Church of Harmony. Runners can choose from three events: a half marathon at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 10 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run at 10:45 a.m. — or do all three.
An awards ceremony will begin at around 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a post-race celebration.
“We have a big post-race party that’s going to be at the Harmony Inn,” Baker said. “Aside from that we are handing out finisher towels this year.”
Runners have also been known to dress up in Shamrock-themed outfits in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
“The big thing is we have a lot of people that dress up,” Baker said. “This year I think we’ll have a costume (event) and maybe some awards for people who really show the shamrock spirit.”
The race has come a long way in 10 years, said Baker, from a 10-mile race to the half marathon it is now.
“It was up on Strawberry Ridge Road,” she said. “Then we outgrew that area so we moved down to Harmony.”
Since that move, Baker said the event has received the communities’ enthusiastic support, making it an enjoyable event to put on every year.
“It’s a lot of fun but it also supports the Zelienople Rotary Club,” Baker said. “And they do a lot for the community, as far as scholarships and the local food bank, as well as the Zelienople Park and the town itself.”
Registrations are being accepted.
“We typically limit it to 500 people,” Baker said. “We’re a little over 300 now.”
Past races have seen runners from across the country sign up.
To register visit www.active.com or at Grace Harmony Church the day of and before the race.
More information is available at www.getfitfamilies.com.
