Manhattan’s largest running event returns for a 24thyear. The St. Patrick’s Road Race and events will be held in Aggieville on Saturday, March 16, 2002.

The day begins at 11:00 AM with the St. Pat’s Parade presented by the Aggieville Business Association. The parade annually features over 75 entries. The parade route will begin in Manhattan City Park, travel North on th Street, turn West through Aggicville on Moro Street, and re-enter the City Park traveling South on North Manhattan Avenue. Plan to come early as prime viewing spots are crowded.

This year’s parade is honoring Korean War Veterans on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean conflict, and will feature the Ft. Riley Mounted Color Guard, the popular Lawnchair Brigade, Jaycee’s Precision Lawnmowers, and clowns.

Other Aggieville events include the Manhattan Arts Center’s Blarney Breakfast at Rusty’s Next Door from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Proceeds will go to the Manhattan Arts Center children’s program.

The third annual Spoke & Shamrock Bike Ride is for theyoung and old alike. Each rider will get to ride in the parade and compete for prizes. Prizes will be given for: The most green bike and rider, the largest family, and the best decorated bike. This ride is sponsored by Game Guy Video and Gumby’s Pizza and Pub.

The Aggieville Business Association will also award $100 in Aggie Bucks for the largest group entered in the parade and $200 in Aggie Bucks for the St. Pat’s parade entry that displays the most "St. Pat’s Day Spirit." Any individual or group may enter the parade simply by contacting Cheryl Sieben at the Aggieville Business Association at 776-8050.

The Celebration features three running events. Hundreds of runners will line up on Moro Street in the heart of Aggieville for the start of the I Ok road race. This challenging 6.2 mile race, scheduled to begin at 1:1 5 PM, is run on the streets of Manhattan and Kansas State University. Male and female first place winners in the I0 K will receive a $200 prize package.

The Shamrock 2 mile fun run begins at 12:30 PM. Men and women runners are combined into a single fun run that begins at 12th and Moro and circles the Manhattan City Park. This event is designed for the non-competitive runner. All members of the family, young and old, are invited to run.

Walkers get a chance to participate in the Leprechaun 3 mile walk. This event is designed for those who enjoy exercise. The walkers will line up immediately behind the I Ok runners and will begin at 1:1 5 p.m. Walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace.

There are 14 different age divisions for the runners. All participants receive a St. Pt’s Road Race t-shirt and enjoy the post race barbecue. Family participation is a trademark of the race events. Runners from Syears old to 75 old can be seen on the course. Lastyear some 800 people participated in these events. Many awards will be won by participants. Runners in the St. Pat’s I Ok Road Race vie for trophies awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. Trophies will be given to the top three individuals in each age group, medals to the next three places, and ribbons to places 7 through 1 0.

Runners in the Shamrock 2 mile fun run will receive medals for the first three places and ribbons to the following seven places in each age group. Each participant I 2 years and under also receives a free St. Pat’s ribbon.

Walkers in the Leprechaun 3 mile walk who finish the course will receive a ribbon. Entry fee for runners is $15 and walkers pay $10, if postmarked by March 10, 2002. The fees increase to $18 (runners) and $ 1 3 (walkers), if postmarked after March 10, 2002.

On-line registration is available at www.racegate.com. Race event registration forms are also available at Kansas State Bank and Ballards or copy off the event entry form on the race web site at www.kansasstatebank.com, go to "links". Harvard Townsend, Race Director, has guided this race for manyyears. Noted as one of the premier running event coordinators, his expertise and enthusiasm will guarantee a challenging, safe and fun day for all participants.

The running events take place rain, snow or shine. Wear the green to Aggieville and become Irish for a day.

The St. Patrick’s Road Race events are sponsored by KANSAS STATE BANK, Ballard’s Sporting Goods, KR0cK/KMAN/B-104 radio stations and Flinthills Harriers Running Club.