Get out your green racing gear, Leprechaun-a-thon 2018 is here

It’s time to get out your green, glowing gear and get ready to race along a flat, fast 5K course and party down with more than 600 of your closest friends in a giant wall of foam.

The 2018 Harbin Clinic Leprechaun- a- thon is just around the corner, and the seventh edition of one of the largest 5K races in Rome offers a festive experience for all runners, walkers and spectators.

“This race features something for everyone, whether you’re an avid 5K-runner or just wanting to walk the course and feel healthier. We encourage families and children to come out and walk or run and see how much fun it is to play in all the foam,” Kevin Cowling, director of Rome- Floyd Parks and Recreation, says. “We’re thrilled to team up with Harbin Clinic and Parker FiberNet once again to bring this event to our community.”

The race is set for Saturday, March 17 and begins at 7: 30 p.m. with the walk beginning at 7:35 p.m.

The race finish is truly a sight to behold, as a giant wall of foam along with flashing lights, music and more trans- form Rome’s Town Green into a giant St. Patrick’s Day party.

This year, the race adds a foam station along the course as well some confetti canons to help keep the festivities rolling.

Runners and walkers should be prepared and decked out in all of their green, glowing finery for a chance to win prizes at the pre-race costume contest.

Registration for the event is open, and anyone interested in participating in the 5K run or two mile health walk can sign up by going to the Rome Floyd-Parks and Recreation website at rfpra. com/ leprechaun-a-thon.

Pre-registration costs $25 for the 5K and $20 for the walk. Kids ages 12 and younger and groups of 10 or more athletes can register for $ 20 each by visiting the Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation administration office at 1 Shorter Avenue.

Packet pickup will also be at the RFPRD administration offices starting on Thursday, March 15. Groups can pick up their packets from 1 to 6 p.m. on March 15 while all others can pick up that day from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Friday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The 5K race is chip-timed with awards going to the top three male and female finishers in each age group, as well as awards going to the overall male and female winner, male and female masters winners and grandmasters winners. The awards ceremony will be held on the Town Green after the race.

Pre- registration ends on March 16. To guarantee a race t-shirt, please register online by March 5.

All runners and walkers will also receive a Leprechaun-athon armband in their race packets that will include discounts and specials from participating downtown businesses and restaurants.