St. Paddy's Day Comes Early With Lucky Leprechaun 5K in Utica

Dig out your green and brush up on your blarney, Utica's first-ever Lucky Leprechaun 5K run/walk is less than a week away.

Set in the city's downtown, the March 9 race features a USATF-certified course that will take participants over two bridges, through the graffiti tunnel and past dozens of historic homes and buildings.

• Share your photos and video from the Lucky Leprechaun by clicking the "Upload Photos and Video" above.

Open to all ages, the event is dog and stroller friendly, with no extra charge for either.

Through March 8, registration for the 5K run/walk is $33 for adults and $23 for children. The "Green Mile" walk is $23 for adults and $18 for children. Race day registration is $2 more.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated in the form of mini-grants to local organizations that promote health and fitness.

All participants will receive a finisher medal with a Lucky Leprechaun graphic, with first, second and third place medals also given to the male and female winners in 14 respective age categories. Overall and masters male and female winners will also receive plaques.

Gift certificates to Dick's Sporting Goods will also be awarded to winners of the Irish Costume Contest, scheduled to take place before the race.

Schedule:

• 10 a.m. – Costume Contest
• 10:30 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk
• 10:35 a.m. – Green Mile
• 11:15 a.m. – 5K Awards

How can I register?

• Online registration.
• Download the mail-in registration form.
• Register the morning of the event (does not guarantee a T-shirt), Saturday, March 9, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Utica City Hall, 7550 Auburn Rd.

For more information, visit http://www.luckyleprechaunrace.com/.