Semper Gratus — Always Grateful.

That’s been the theme for West Leechburg’s Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk for the past 6 years, even through the trying COVID times. Race director and Semper Gratus president Ian Cole is grateful that this year’s sixth annual event will return to almost normal.

Cole first expressed gratitude for the more than 300 participants in last year’s in-person and virtual event which raised more than $45,000 to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other pediatric diseases. He also praised the more than 80 volunteers who make this event a success each year.

“It’s been a humbling experience,” Cole says. “I never envisioned what this event has become, and it’s because of the volunteers who step up to help.”

This year’s Shamrock Shuffle will return to mass start instead of the socially distanced wave start format of 2021. Cole says that although he has a few virtual entries, he also expects, based on pre-registrations, a larger field than last year.

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 also welcome to walk either distance.

Friendly dogs on leashes (and costumes) are also welcome and will take home their own doggy swag bag. Ian Coyle says that dog participation increases each year with 15 dogs participating in 2021.

Preregistered runners are guaranteed a commemorative t-shirt and shirts will be available on race day on a first come-first served basis. The first 300 registered receive a swag bag with goodies from local businesses.

There are no competitive awards for the fun run/walk. Competitive awards in the 5k include top three male and female finishers and age group awards for ages 10 and under through 60+.

There’s also a prize for best St. Patrick’s Day costume judged by the event’s guests of honor. This year’s honorees are students Emma Martinis and Olivia Supp, who conducted a 10-week fundraising campaign for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Shamrock Shuffle is a family-friendly event. As in past years, a balloon artist will be on hand and Disney princesses will mingle with participants and spectators at the West Leechburg Fire Department Social Hall.

Shamrock Shuffle 5k is only half of the day’s fun. Semper Gratus also holds Small Town, Loud Voice from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Social Hall. This St. Patrick’s Day-themed party for ages 21+ includes music, dancing, an open bar with beer, sodas and water and light bites. Attendees can bid in a basket auction with more than 70 baskets, 50/50 drawing and several side raffles including a golf basket or family fun basket with outdoor grill and firepit.

The evening’s guests of honor, the family of 9-year-old Joe Burns will be on hand to tell their story and to raise awareness of the fight to cure cancer. Joe is now in remission from cancer.

Race participants may register for the 5k or purchase tickets for Small Town, Loud Voice on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Or register online and bundle the race and party for a discount price at sempergratus.org.

Ian 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.

In 2021, Cole was one of 50 people (out of 30,000 nominations) honored as Disney Magic Makers. As quoted in November 4, 2021 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he says, “What excites me the most is the recognition for Semper Gratus, not necessarily for me.”

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash 5k, 5 Mile or 10 Mile, Allison Park. Run around North Park Lake. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/MarchMadDash

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk presented by Semper Gratus, Leechburg. Costumes encouraged, separate benefit dance party at 6 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Shamrock “N” Run 5k/10k, Sharpsville. Run on Trout Island Trail benefits PHN Foundation literacy initiatives. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sharon/ShamrockNRun5krunwalk?remMeAttempt=

March 19, 7 a.m.: Rabid Racoon 100, Hookstown. Choice of 100 miles, 100k, 20 miles or 100-mile relay on trails through Racoon Creek State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hookstown/RabidRaccoon100

March 26, 7:30 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, Harmony. Challenging, hilly course. www.active.com/harmony-pa/running/distance-running-races/shamrock-shuffle-2022

March 26, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run, Allison Park. Choice of 30k, Half Marathon, 8.1 miles or 5k starting at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/JASR?remMeAttempt=

March 26, 11 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k, Harmony. www.active.com/harmony-pa/running/distance-running-races/shamrock-shuffle-2022

March 27, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon and 5-Mile, Younstown, OH. Run through scenic Mill Creek Park. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/MillCreekDistanceClassicHalfMarathon?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=Y

April 2, 10 a.m.: Butler’s Beat Buddies Eggstravaganza with Easter Egg Dash 5k, Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. All events at Butler High School’s Art Bernardi Stadium. No strollers allowed on stadium tracks. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BestBuddiesEasterEggDash

April 2, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 5k and 10k, Black Lick. Run on Ghost Town Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/FoolsRun10K5K?remMeAttempt=

April 2, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5k, Cooksburg. Level out and back along Clarion River. 724-554-9511 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=136057

April 9, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Choice of half marathon starting at 9 A.M. or 10k at 9:30 A.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hollidaysburg/DirtyKiln?remMeAttempt=

April 9, 9 a.m.: Run Across Guatemala 5k and 1 Mile, Allison Park. Starts at North Park’s Harmar Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/RunAcrossGuatemala5k

April 9, 10 a.m.: MKG Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm in Maurice K. Goddard State Park. MCTA Marathon Series Race #3. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

April 9, 10 a.m.: Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k and 1 Mile, Oakdale. Flat and fast out-and-back course on Panhandle Trail. Post race beer and food truck voucher. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/HeliconBrewingFoodTruck5K?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=Y

April 9, 11:30 a.m.: Heineken 0.0 Pittsburgh Earth Day 5k Run, Pittsburgh. Race shirts for all, bottle opener finisher medals for all ages 21+. p3r.org/races/pittsburgh-earth-day-run

April 10, 3 p.m.: Run or Walk for Someone Special 5 Mile Race and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Sykesville. Benefit for ARC of Jefferson and Clearfield counties with prizes, food and fun. 814-952-0490 or creativegardencc@gmail.com

April 16, 8:30 a.m.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5k, Portersville. Starts at McDanel’s Boat Launch in Moraine State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunToBreatheHalfMarathon5K

May 1, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon, Pittsburgh. An entire weekend of running events from pet walk and toddler trot to half, full and relay marathons. Also new walkers’ half marathon. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com or 412-586-7785

Race results

Cascade Park Big One Run Mile, Feb. 19: AJ Kelly, 1st Overall M, 4:57; Annette Aho, 1st Overall W, 5:44; Kaden Schlichtkrull, 1st 15-19 M, 5:34; Logan Rogers, 1st 14 & Under M, 6:00; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 6:44; Shawna Hardy-Emerson, 2nd 30-39 W, 8:32

Olde Girdled Grit Marathon, Feb. 26: Michael O’Rourke, 1st Overall M, 3:43:31; Hong De Sa, 1st Overall W, 4:03:01

Olde Girdled Grit Half Marathon, Feb. 26: Aaron Benka, 1st Overall M, 1:27:54; Madalyn Trout, 1st Overall W, 1:46:25; Shawn Castiglione, 2:10:05; Tina Benedek-Grimm, 2:33:06; Shannon Castiglione, 2:56:48

Spring Thaw 5 Mile, Feb. 26: Peter Boyd, 1st Overall M, 29:33; Melissa Conjack, 1st Overall W, 34:33; Mitch Radella, 2nd Masters M, 40:17; Miles Jenny, 1st 19 & Under M, 32:26; Luke Anderson, 2nd 19 & Under M, 35:09; Leanna Anderson, 2nd 40-49 W, 43:20; Peggy McGowan, 1st 50-59 W, 43:42; Trisha Huth, 1st 20-29 W, 43:56; Carolyn Grider, 3rd 40-49 W, 44:10; Christina Dreher, 2nd 20-29 W, 47:48; David Blackwell, 3rd 50-59 M, 53:37; Tom Potchatko, 1st 20-29 M, 58:11; Nick Barker, 44:02; Ed Reidy, 55:26

Spring Thaw 10 Mile, Feb. 26: Sarah McGowan, 1st Overall W, 1:05:38; Steven Morgan, 1st Overall M, 1:06:07; Angie Jennie, 1st 40-49 W, 1:06:21; Brian McGowan, 2nd 50-59 M, 1:08:20; Ray Reinheimer, 2nd 30-39 M, 1:08:38; Matthew Sudak, 2nd 40-49 M, 1:08:40; Jerry Kosar, 2nd 60-69 M, 1:15:01; Mark Likoudis, 3rd 60-69 M, 1:19:03; Kenneth Judson, 1st 70+ M, 1:24:13; Catherine Hrach, 1st 50-59 W, 1:29:33; Rita Ciccariello, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:38:46; Hayden Gerhart, 1:19:47; David France, 1:20:21; Ariel Laur, 1:23:06; Kimberly Bonnett, 1:23:36; Tony Chan, 1:29:13; Jonathan LaBach, 1:31:23; Hannah Durci, 1:31:23; Bradley Regis, 1:33:23; Nathan Tharnish, 1:34:20; Jane Armstrong, 1:46:04; Robert Whittington, 1:51:45; Shawna Hardy-Emerson, 2:03:08; Alfred Schnabel, 2:05:53; Eamonn Clements, 2:08:34

Spring Thaw 15 Mile, Feb. 26: Anna Balouris, 1st Overall W, 1:36:35; James Golebie, 1st Overall M, 1:36:57; Adam Leskanic, 3rd 40-49 M, 1:54:18; Donald Splitstone, 1:58:35; Vanessa Snyder, 2:06:26; Olivia Drohan, 2:33:43; Matt Drohan, 2:41:43; Eliza Drohan, 2:41:43

Spring Thaw 20 Mile, Feb. 26: Eric Kennedy, 1st Overall M, 1:53:10; Jessica Horvath, 1st Overall W, 2:23:28; Dan Monhemious, 1st 40-49 M, 2:13:14; Josh Flanhofer, 2nd 30-39 M, 2:15:19; Wayne McCracken, 2nd 40-49 M, 2:18:45; Calum Munro, 2nd 50-59 M, 2:32:24; Todd Roberts, 3rd 50-59 M, 2:33:27; Josh Gretz, 2:37:42; John Bielewicz, 2:38:48; John Armstrong, 3:38:00

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle