We're not quite ready for revelries, but one St. Patrick's Day tradition returns this Saturday. Shamrock Shuffle 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk takes cautiously to the residential streets of West Leechburg after a year's absence due to the pandemic.

Race director Ian Coyle says that although he would love to hold the race and its associated dance party without restrictions, he understands and accepts that safety comes first for participants and spectators. He says that people should have plenty of room to spread out in the West Leechburg Fire Department Social Hall. There will be heaters outside, too, to add to the available space.

There will be no opening or closing ceremonies this year and all in attendance must wear masks pre and post-race. Participants must wear masks to the start line, but can remove the covering on the course if they are able to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

Although more than 200 runners and walkers have registered for the event, there will be day-of-event registration. Race director Coyle is working with GCXC Racing's timers to position runners at socially distanced cones in groups of 50 in the start area with wave starts every 90 seconds for the chip-timed 5k. The 1-mile is a fun run/walk and will not be chip timed.

The course for both the 5k and 1-mile winds through the residential streets of West Leechburg. Runners can expect spectators along the course that Coyle describes as hilly, but not too hilly for hand-cycles. Participants are welcome to walk either distance. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.

There are no rewards for the fun run/walk. Awards in the 5k including top three male and female finishers and age group awards for ages 10 and Under through 60+ will be mailed to winners. There's also a prize for best St. Patrick's Day costume.

Preregistered runners are guaranteed a commemorative t-shirt and the first 200 registered receive a swag bag with goodies from local businesses.

Shamrock Shuffle also offers a virtual option. Runners and walkers can sign up, then complete a 5k or 1-mile course of their choosing and submit their times. Most of the in-person participants are from Western PA, he has virtual registrations from as far as Las Vegas and Hawaii.

Although Coyle doesn't know how these people found out about his small local event, he welcomes the support. He says that the Shamrock Shuffles are more than just races. They are opportunities to give back to the community and to show kindness to others. In four years, the events have raised nearly $100,000 to support pediatric cancer and disease patients and kids with disabilities through Semper Gratus.

Six years ago, Coyle founded Semper Gratus, a registered nonprofit, to further what he says is his calling to help others. His giving began in high school, but when he turned 30, he dedicated himself to raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help a business associate's daughter who battled leukemia.

Currently, Semper Gratus supports not only Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, but Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Cerebral Palsy as well.

Coyle says that the goal each year is to make his event bigger and better. He is disappointed that because of COVID, they will not hold the St. Patrick's Day-themed dance party in conjunction with the Shamrock Shuffle. But save the date of July 10 this year for Santa Shuffle 5k, a Christmas in July-themed race that hopefully will include the dance and more in-person festivities.

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, Leechburg. Costumed encouraged, leashed dogs welcome. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=YSaturday, 10 a.m.: Judith's Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. 814-282-1069 or judithsjig@gmail.comSaturday, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k with food and drinks. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5KMarch 20, 8 a.m.: Roger Snyder 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Kids Fun Run, Richfield. 570-850-1600. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Richfield/RogerSnyder5k10kHalfMarathonMarch 20, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k and Relay, Apollo. Run in Kunkle Park. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Apollo/KiskiAreaShamrockRun5KSend comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>