Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k

Manhattan Irish Fest Parade 5k takes place in Manhattan, Illinois, on March 6, 2027, with a single format: a road 5K starting at 11:00 AM. That late-morning start is unusual for a road race and ties the run to the town's Irish festival parade day.

The 5K is the most approachable racing distance there is, and this one suits both a first bib and a hard tune-up. If you are new to it, four to six weeks of running three times a week, one of those sessions alternating jogging and walking, gets you to the line ready. If you already race, an 11:00 AM gun gives you time for a real breakfast and a proper warm-up: ten to fifteen minutes of easy running plus a few short accelerations, finished just before the start. Then go out controlled and press over the final mile, which is where a 5K is decided.