West Chester Shamrock Shuffle advantages Northern Cincinnati Basis

WEST CHESTER TWP. – After a year-long hiatus, the Shamrock Shuffle Race and Fundraiser returns to The Square at Union Center.

Postponed from its traditional March timeframe to September 11th due to COVID-19, this year’s race will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks.

“We didn’t want to take another year off, so we’re counting this race as half way to St. Patrick’s Day. We wanted to bring the people out there together, ” said Karen Gibbs, vice president of the Northern Cincinnati Foundation, formerly the Community Foundation of West Chester / Liberty, who organized the race.

“Due to the date, we will have a special 9/11 reminder at 8:45 am before the start of the race.”

Team Fastrax skydivers will take off with an American flag. The U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will also appear with comments from Congressman Warren Davidson.

So far, 18 charity teams, each supporting a nonprofit organization, have signed up for the event, which includes 5K races as well as a block party and a leprechaun lap fun run for children.

Racers and block party goers are encouraged to wear green shamrock-themed clothing, Gibbs said.

Each member of a nonprofit team receives $ 10 for their charity, with the remainder of the registration fee going to the foundation’s Community Grant Fund, Gibbs said.

“It’s a great way for smaller groups to raise funds for their own purposes,” said Gibbs.

The 2019 race raised more than $ 80,000, with $ 16,000 going to charity teams and the rest going to the grant fund. The foundation awards community grants three times a year.

All activities and races start at The Square, 9363 Center Pointe. Registration and check-in begins at 7:30 am at the West Chester Township branch of Midpointe Library, 9363 Center Pointe Drive.

The races begin on West Chester Road, adjacent to the Cleveland-Cliffs regional headquarters. Racing drivers meander through the Union Center area.

The timed 5 km run begins at 9 a.m., followed five minutes later by walkers, prams, dogs and others. The block party – with green beer – opens at 8:00 a.m., with most activities starting at 9:30 a.m.

The Leprechaun Lap Mini Race for children starts at 10.30 a.m. It is open to children aged 2-10 years.

The block party runs until noon. It has stands of the non-profit organizations with teams in the race, food and drink vendors, games and activities for children.

The racing packages can be picked up on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the MidPointe library and on race day from 7:30 a.m. Race fees vary between $ 15 and $ 50, depending on the events selected and the time of registration.

Information / registration are Available online or call 513-874-5450.