St. Paddy’s festivities to kick-off in Southington

The annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed race series is back and kicks off in Southington with the O’Shenanigans 5K on March 9. The festive “O’Races” produced by the non-profit Hartford Marathon Foundation feature four 5Ks across Connecticut, four epic post-race parties and four custom finisher medals that connect to form a Celtic knot.

The O'Shenanigans 5K is the first race in the series. Over 1,000 participants will enjoy a festive 3.1 mile run through Southington and Cheshire, a post-race party at Kinsmen Brewing and fresh hot pizza from Sauced. Participants are asked to bring donations and non-perishable foods to benefit Southington's Bread for Life.

Runners and walkers will be on local roads between 9:45am - 11:00am on Saturday morning. Roads will reopen as runners pass. When possible, police will direct crossing traffic during the race. Community members should note the following:

Areas and Streets Used For Race, Expect Delays

· Canal Street (Burritt Street – Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike): 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

· Canal Street / Peck Lane (Meriden Waterbury Turnpike – Schoolhouse Road): 9:55 AM – 10:30 AM

· Schoolhouse Road - Westbound (Peck Lane – Farmington Canal Heritage Trail): 9:55 AM – 10:30 AM

· Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (Schoolhouse Road – Burritt Street) 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

· Burritt Street (Canal Street – Clark Street) 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

After Southington, the series moves to Putnam for the Courthouse O’Putnam 5K on Sunday, March 10, then to the O’Niantic 5K on March 16 and culminates with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the O’Hartford 5K.

The races welcome all ages and abilities, with a "Wee Mile" (¼ or ½ mile) race option for the littlest leprechauns (ages 2-11).

For more race details visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/hmf-events/