Your guide to 2019 St. Patrick’s Day themed running events in Northern California

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday in 2019, many Irish-themed events will be taking place on the actual holiday that they celebrate – March 17.

This guide outlines the different races across NorCal that are green, festive, and Irish! With everything from green beer to costume contests and little leprechaun fun runs for kids, there is bound to be an event that fills your pot of gold.

A complete list of all St. Patrick’s Day themed events in Northern California is available on our website here.

Sacramento Area Events

March 16 & 17 – Shamrock’n – West Sacramento

West Sacramento – 5K, 10K, Half Mar., Kids Run  – Courses start and finish at West Sacramento’s Raley Field and travel across the iconic Tower Bridge to and from Downtown Sacramento. The 10K is a double loop. Entry includes a short sleeved tech shirt, finisher medal, post-race burrito and River Cats ticket.

What makes this event unique: You’ll cross the Tower Bridge & finish on Raley Field
Cost: 5K/10K – $59, Half – $79, Kids Run – $15
Organizer: Fleet Feet Event Management
More Info: Race Website

March 23 – The Lucky Run – Davis

Davis – 5K, 7K, 10K, Kids Run  – Never run a 7K before? Take on the 4.34 mile course and you’re guaranteed a personal best! Also offered are 5K and 10K routes which start and finish at Davis’ Community Park and wind along the north edge of town, providing views of the nearby fields and Berryessa hills. Entry includes a tshirt, finisher medal and post-race beer. Dogs are allowed at this event, if you like to run with your four-legged running partner. A free kids fun run takes place afterwards. This event is one week after St. Patrick’s Day, so you can do a race on back-to-back weekends, if you’re so inclined.

What makes this event unique: Post-race pancakes and beer, now those are our kind of carbs
Cost: $42 ($37 for 15 and under). Kids Run – Free
Organizer: A Change of Pace
More Info: Race Website

Central Valley Events

March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Run – Fresno

Fresno – 4M, 2M  – Whether you are going for the green beer or to win the largest team award, this event is festive through-and-through! This third annual event benefits the American Heart Association. The double sided medal is sure to be a unique addition to your collection.

What makes this event unique: 2-Sided leprechaun medals and green beer
Cost: $40 ($25 for 9 and under)
Organizer: Fleet Feet Fresno
More Info: Race Website

Bay Area Events

March 17 – San Jose Shamrock Run – San Jose

San Jose – 5K, 10K, Kids Run  – Represent Running’s newest event takes place in Downtown San Jose.  Entry includes a stylish short sleeved t-shirt and a glittery medal to match. Post race festivities include a complimentary pour of Guinness (21+).  Part of the Valley Challenge running series.

What makes this event unique: The race shirts are unique and stylish, and it’s part of Represent Running’s race series.
Cost: $49 – $56
Organizer: Represent Running
More Info: Race Website

March 17 – Dublin Shamrock Run – Dublin

Dublin – 5K – This longstanding Dublin event (2019 is the 21st Annual!) highlights the city’s Irish heritage. Entrants receive a race t-shirt, and the post race part includes an entire St. Patrick’s Day festival that has over 200 vendor booths.

What makes this event unique: Pre-registration is very affordable – just $27 ($23 for families)
Cost: $23-35
Organizer: City of Dublin
More Info: Race Website

March 17 – Jig and Jog – San Mateo

San Mateo- 5K, 10K – Held at Coyote Point Recreation Area, this event, organized by A Runner’s Mind, includes ten hidden “leprechaun pickles” along the race course – find one and bring it to the finish line for special prizes!  Post race activities includes a costume contest.

What makes this event unique: Hidden leprechaun pickles on the route … you don’t see that too often
Cost: $42 ($20 for 18 and Under)
Organizer: A Runner’s Mind
More Info: Race Website

March 17 – Go Green St. Patrick’s Day Run – San Jose

San Jose- 5K, 10K, Half Marathon- Hellyer Park hosts this popular event, which at the time of this article, is nearly sold-out. Entry includes a finisher medal and long sleeve tech shirts.

What makes this event unique: Long sleeve tech shirts
Cost: $45-80
Organizer: Finish Line Production
More Info: Race Website

Other Regions

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day 5K- Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa- 5K- This event is held in Downtown Santa Rosa at the Old Courthouse Square. After your 5K, you’ll receive a commemorative mug and a complimentary beverage fill. A judged costume contest will round out the morning.

What makes this event unique: Cool mug instead of a t-shirt, also an 11am race start!
Cost: $45 ($25 for 15 and under)
Organizer: Fleet Feet Santa Rosa
More Info: Race Website

March 17 – Shamrock Run – Orland

Orland- 5K – This fundraiser for Orland High School Track and Cross Country features a long sleeve raglan style t-shirt, and age group awards.

What makes this event unique: The race shirts!
Cost: $30
Organizer: Orland HS Track
More Info: Race Website

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