The old adage says that March comes in like a lion. For runners, March enters in the form of a leprechaun with festive green events all month.

On March 7 at 8:30 a.m., a popular Cleveland area 5k comes to Butler County with Kiss Me, I’m a Runner 5k in Cranberry Township’s Graham Park. The celebratory event is organized by GCXC Race Timing, the same management that brought us Run Santa Run 5k this past Christmas.

Participants are encouraged to dress in seasonal green and to “fill the streets with Leprechauns” at this St. Patrick’s Day themed run.

Kiss Me, I’m a Runner course is nearly flat and winds through Graham Park. It’s a great event for all levels of runners and walkers.

All preregistered runners receive a custom t-shirt. The first 500 registered also receive a commemorative pint glass. All finishers earn a medal and are welcome to stay for refreshments following the event.

For more information or to register online, visit www.gcxcracing.com/kissme-pa.

Also on March 7 at 10 a.m., Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k and 10k takes to the streets of Sharpsville. The event which starts at Thelma’s Sports Nook and runs through town includes both competitive 5k and 10k races, a kids’ fun run and a St. Patrick’s Day themed costume contest. Dogs are also welcome.

Each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last.) Shamrock ‘N’ Run offers competitive awards to top three overall male and female finishers and top three in age groups from 9 and Under through 70+ in both the 10k and 5k. All participants are welcome to join the post-race festivities including music, breakfast buffet and raffles.

Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k and 10k is a fundraiser for Primary Health Charitable Foundation. The foundation provides transportation to medical care and help with needed prescriptions. In the past five years, the foundation has also awarded more than $260,000 in scholarships for those pursuing an education in the medical field.

Register online at www.phnfoundation.net/shamrock/ or on race day at Thelma’s Sports Nook beginning at 9 a.m.

On March 21, runners celebrate the season in Harmony with Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k and 1 Mile runs. Now in its sixth year, the event, a benefit for Zelienople Rotary Club, has a distance for everyone. Starts are timed so that runners can complete one or all of the distances.

The half marathon, starting at 7:30 a.m., is one of the toughest in the region with a long climb close to the halfway point on the course. At the top of the hill, runners have the optional challenge or fun of attempting a Keg Stand or downing a Jello shot (runners ages 21 and older.) To keep it festive, there are several crazy water stations and green beer on the course and at the finish area.

The 5k starting at 10 a.m. and 10k starting at 10:45 are family and beginner-friendly events with gently rolling courses. All participants receive a long-sleeved race t-shirt and goody bag. All finishers earn a medal and competitive winners in all distances earn beer glasses.

Awards ceremonies for all of the race distances will be held at Grace Church at 11:15 a.m. Participants and their families are encouraged to stroll the streets of historic Harmony, then enjoy hot soup, delicious food and beverages, including green beer, at Harmony Inn.

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Run, Seven Fields. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Meet at All Fit parking lot. All levels including spring marathon training. 724-898-2525.

Feb. 29, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2: Spring Break Eight(0.5), Fredonia. Rolling course with post-race music and tropical theme. Second of three races in the series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 7, 8:30 a.m.: Kiss Me, I’m a Runner 5k, Cranberry Township. 412-719-4417 or Geoff@gcxracing.com

March 7, 10 a.m.: Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k and 10k, Sharpsville. Includes t-shirt and breakfast. 724-981-2875 or kmild@primary-health.net

March 8, 2:30 p.m.: March Hare 5k, Parkersburg, WV. 304-482-7647

March 14, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. 724-244-7999 or susan.feudale@kiskiarea.com

March 14, 10 a.m.: Pi Day 5k Trail Run, Canfield, OH. 330-729-4000, ext. 1505

March 14, 10 a.m.: Judith’s Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. 814-282-1069 or judithsjig@gmail.com

March 14, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k 70 & Over Championship Race, Ellport. Scenic course, $150 for overall course records, cash prizes for age groups 70-74, 75-79, 80+, post race pizza. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

March 14: Buzzard Day Trail Run, Hinckley, OH. Choice of 25k, 50k or 100k. 330-299-9720

March 21, 9 a.m.: Brave American 5k and 10k, Sewickley. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sewickley/9thAnnualBraveAmericanClassic

March 21, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging half marathon, rolling 5k and 1 mile. Goodie bag, food and drinks for all participants. Joella@zoominternet.net March 27, 4-7 P.M.: Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial – Just a Short Run Packet Pick-up, Allison Park. Held at Pro Bike+Run, North Park. 724-719-6833

March 28, 8 a.m.: Blair Candy Company Race of Champions 5 Mile Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Altoona. Part of YMCA race series. 814-695-4467 or fkopriva@hollidaysburgymca.org

March 28, 8:30 a.m.: 20th Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial - Just a Short Run 30k, 8.1 miles, half marathon and 5k, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. 724-719-6833 or www.athlinks.com

March 28, 9:15 a.m.: Barnesville Park/Rotary Lake Trail 5k Walk/Run and Fun Run, Barnesville, OH. Indoor facilities, hooded sweatshirts, hand-crafted trophies. 740-310-2117 or carlkondrach@yahoo.com

March 28, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-3, Sandy Lake. Run 13.1 or 5k. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 28, 11 a.m.: Share the Love 5k and 10k, Brookville. 814-849-7355 or tinahouseholder@gmail.com

April 4, 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Dash 5k and Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Held at Butler Senior High School. Kaitlyn_reges@butler.k12.pa.us

April 4, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 5k and 10k, Indiana. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.net

April 4, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon & 5k, Cooksburg. Scenic out and back along the Clarion River. 724-554-9511 or www.cookforest.com/marathon

Race results

Wise Strength & Fitness Center Treadmill 5k, Jan. 27: Brandon Wise, 1st Overall M, 16:58; Tim Sloan, 2nd Overall M, 22:18; Robert Cunningham, 3rd Overall M, 26:39; Jim Lakin, 4th Overall M, 26:51; Bob Mcvey, 5th Overall M, 33:29; Meagan Reed, 1st Overall W, 36:01; Tom Hutcheson, 6th Overall M, 40:10

Trout Island Tromp, Feb. 1: Ty Reeher, 1st Overall M, 26:49; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 31:21; Ashley King, 2nd Overall W, 34:13; S. Mark Courtney, 1st 60+ M, 32:38; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-59 M, 35:51; Bryce Dryden, 3rd 19 & Under M, 36:42; Bonnie Burchfield, 3rd 20-39 W, 42:54; JJ Dawson, 36:54; Chase Davis, 37:13; Traci Hanna, 39:26; Debbie Courtney, 39:51; Robert Burchfield, 42:54; Erin Kohlmeyer, 45:08; Tony Sunseri, 47:55; Nichol Zaginaylo, 52:56; Cory Kirchhofer, 58:42; Kathy Schnarre, 59:17

Cupid’s Chase-Lake Arthur 5k, Feb. 8: Robert Danielson, 1st Overall M, 20:30; Rebecca Danielson, 1st Overall W, 24:26; Mitch Radella, 3rd Overall M, 25:06; Meagan Summerville, 1st 35-39 W, 34:23; Virginia Morlino, 1st 40-44 W, 34:31; Robyn Holz, 2nd 40-44 W, 35:54; Alex Oakes, 1st 13-15 M, 36:03; Anthony Fleming, 1st 40-44 M, 36:42; Matt Sylvester, 2nd 40-44 M, 36:43; Tasha Werner, 2nd 45-49 W, 37:03; Troy McKinney, 3rd 40-44 M, 37:14; Rylee Werner, 1st 13-15 W, 38:09; Abby Bastaja, 2nd 16-19 W, 38:32; Darren Casher, 1st 50-54 M, 38:48; Lisa Collins, 3rd 40-44 W, 38:48

Cupid’s Chase 5k, Feb. 8: Sean Flanagan, 1st Overall M, 17:40; David Kozinik, 3rd Overall M, 19:24; Emily Burns, 1st Overall W, 22:36; Greg Dillon, 1st 55-59 M, 21:53; Cathryn Polito, 1st 50-54 W, 25:03; Joe Klimchak, 1st 50-54 M, 25:31; Michael Gonzalez, 2nd 50-54 M, 26:06; Stacey Biro, 3rd 40-44 W, 31:47; Christine Black, 2nd 45-49 W, 34:32; Dylan Grim, 2nd 13-15 M, 37:33; Arthur Bombalski, 3rd 35-39 M, 38:25; Mark Filsinger, 1st 12 & Under M, 41:12; Joe Taylor, 3rd 55-59 M, 44:11; Conner Filsinger, 3rd 12 & Under M, 58:28; Deborah Bell, 31:46; Angela Thomson, 38:25; Megan Bourne, 39:10; Nicole Dengler, 39:11; Shelley Trent, 42:43; Joe Ulicky, 55:16; Ashley Filsinger, 58:39; Kristina Gardner, 1:00:53; Mike Roney, 1:00:53; Kiamia Vaden, 1:02:44; Jamie Cunningham, 1:02:52

Spring Thaw 10 Mile, Feb. 22: Kenny Goodfellow, 1st Overall M, 57:23; Cara Donohue, 1st Overall W, 1:04:09; Melissa Conjack, 3rd Overall W, 1:06:45; Josh Flanhofer, 1st 35-39 M, 1:04:33; Dan Monhemius, 1st 40-44 M, 1:07:06; Heather Hudak, 1st 45-49 W, 1:10:41; Don Splitstone, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:13:54; Todd Roberts, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:17:01; Kristine Poloyac, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:20:45; Dave Convery, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:26:52; Ray Reinheimer, 1:09:39; Jamie Kemper, 1:21:28; Calum Munro, 1:22:11; Gregory Reed, 1:25:35; Marty Reed, 1:25:58; Nicole Khoury, 1:26:25; Steve Smith, 1:26:44; Suzette Cappola, 1:28:31; Caroline Hufnagle, 1:29:07; Katie Kovacic, 1:29:09; Amanda James, 1:29:18; John Crum, 1:29:20; Kristopher Proctor, 1:29:49; Amanda Hardt, 1:29:57; Regiane Morgueta, 1:31:30; Leanne Finney, 1:32:51; Johannah Scott, 1:32:51; Joe Kulbacki, 1:34:13; January Scheidlmeier, 1:35:54; Lori Fromlak, 1:37:48; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:41:36; James Caruso, 1:41:38; Earlene Allshouse, 1:41:39; Heather Kulbacki, 1:43:59; Rita Ciccariello, 1:44:00; Becky Ponsonby, 1:44:44; Stephanie White, 1:46:16; Luke McDonough, 1:47:42; Maria Branagan, 1:48:42; Barbara Ford, 1:49:03; Kathleen Gabriel, 1:52:25; Alfred Schnabel, 1:53:36; Eamonn Clements, 1:54:00; Elizabeth Dickey, 1:54:21; Katherine Colton, 1:57:01; Hermanth Kapoor, 1:58:50; Fred Florian, 2:09:54; Rebecca Miller, 2:39:47

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle