Runners and racewalkers will get an early start on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations thanks to the Freehold Area Running Club.
On March 13, the club will present its 27th Annual St. Paddy’s 8K Race starting at 10:30 a.m.
This year’s 8K (metric 5 miles) course will start and finish in Michael Tighe Park, Georgia Road, Freehold Township, and take the participants along the scenic backroads of Freehold Township before finishing back in the park.
This event has proved to be one of the most popular on the road racing circuit, bringing thousands of runners and racewalkers to the race each year. It’s popularity is due to its catering to runners of all levels, making it a fun family event. Along with celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the race is a very good warm-up for runners preparing for spring marathons, such as the Boston Marathon.
There is much more than the 8K race itself. There will be plenty of food and drink after the race for the competitors, commemorative t-shirts and a runners mart. Awards go to the top three male and female finishers and to age groups from 14-and-under to 80-plus.
Race-day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The club advises the participants to check their clocks on March 13 because the clocks spring ahead for daylight saving’s time.
For more information and registration forms, go to the club’s website at www.farcnj.com.