Canadian Race Guide: St. Patrick’s Day Special

Canadians everywhere are likely getting excited about the coming of spring, which is (officially) only about a week away. Runners in particular are hoping to see more and more green on our daily and weekly runs as we enthusiastically take our training outdoors.

This weekend, many of us will be celebrating all things green for St. Patrick’s Day, which occurs on Monday March 17th. Luckily, there are no shortage of St. Patrick’s Day-themed races and running events happening across the country to help celebrate the occasion.

Here, from the Canadian Race Guide, are the events to run and race this weekend:

In the Atlantic provinces, Prince Edward Island hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Run 10K & 5K in Charlottetown on Saturday morning. The Pete’s Pub St. Paddy’s Dash takes place in Saint John, N.B. on Sunday afternoon and is a 4K fun run. Also, on the ‘other’ island (i.e. the Rock), the Paddy’s Day Fun Run 4K and 2K goes on Sunday morning in St. John’s, N.L.

Ontario plays host to a number of Irish-inspired events including the Ottawa St. Patricks Day Race for CHEO and the Shamrock Shuffle in St. Thomas. Both events feature 5K and 10K races and take place Saturday morning. On Sunday, the St. Paddy’s Day 5K takes places in Peterborough, as does the St. Patty’s 5K & 10K Road Race in Thunder Bay. Finally, the Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K takes place on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and hosts some 1,500 runners and walkers who enjoy post-race chili and beer at the Steam Whistle Brewery’s round house.

Those in Winnipeg can enjoy The People’s Second St. Paddy’s Day 5K on Sunday morning which includes a team and family category and there are prizes for the best costumes.

There are plenty of options in Alberta as well including the St. Pattie’s Scurry in Red Deer and the Diakonos St. Patrick’s Day 10K & 5K Run in Calgary, both on Saturday morning. On Sunday, Edmonton hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Trail Run, the Chase the Pot of Gold takes place in Westlock, and The Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race occurs in Calgary.

In British Columbia, runners can choose from the 10th annual BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on Saturday which hosts some 2,000 runners and walkers. Also Saturday is the St. Patrick’s Family Fun Run in Kelowna. On Sunday, Burnaby plays host to the Green Sock Half Marathon & Shamrock ‘n Race 7 Miles.

For those looking for a non-themed event, there’s the Heights Fiver 8 & 5K in Prince George, B.C. on Sunday. The River’s Spring Run-Off 10K also goes Sunday in Kamloops and will be celebrating its 31st anniversary. In Ontario, the Colours of Hope 5K goes on Saturday in London as does MEC London Race TWO which features a 5K and 10K race in scenic Springbank Park (for only $15). There’s also the Rotary Waterfront Workout in Whitby, and finally, for those in Nova Scotia, the Moose Run 25K takes place Sunday in Cow Bay.

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