BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The Shamrock Run in Buffalo was the last major event to take place in 2020 right before things started to shut down due to the Covid pandemic. In 2021, a very scaled-down Shamrock Run was held.
Fast forward to this year and Saturday's Shamrock Run is the first big event to return, without restrictions.
Patrick Gormley, Executive Director of the Old First Ward Community Association, says it's been all smiles and hugs this week as people were picking up race packets.
"We've had a few thousand people come through our doors this week.
It's been so nostalgic, especially after being away from it for over a year.
Many of our volunteers have been with us for over 40 years, and it brings
strong emotions as they see familiar faces of people who have been
running this race for decades."
As of Friday morning, about 36 hundred runners have signed up for Saturday's race. Gormley says the benchmark is usually around 4,000. "Sadly, we're missing a lot of friends from north of the border. We usually have over 500 Canadian runners come over," he said. 'But it makes sense with restrictions still cumbersome to go back and forth."
The Shamrock Run is an 8k. It starts at noon on Saturday from the Old First Ward Community Center at 62 Republic Street. Runners are led through the Old First Ward and Larkin neighborhoods.
The event is as much about the after party, as it is about the race.
"We have a lot of things going on in the neighborhood. We have a beer tent in our parking lot right after the race. Anyone is welcome." There is a ten dollar fee for non-runners. "Our kitchen is serving hot corned beef sandwiches on Mazurek bakery bread. And all of our local bars and restaurants are prepared for a very big day. We see a massive influx into the neighborhood," he said.
It happens again in two weeks for the Old Neighborhood St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 19, hosted by the Valley Community Center.
The weather for the Shamrock Run is a bonus this year, with highs expected around 50 degrees. "We completely lucked out," said Gormley. "We always keep out fingers crossed. We've had it all. 20's and snow to 60's and sunshine. This will help with last minute sign-ups," he added.
Walk-ups will be accepted right up until the start of the race.
The event is a massive fundraiser for the Community Center. It makes up almost one fifth of the operating budget.
"Most years it's a great thing, but not so much during a global pandemic." All of the money raised
goes to youth programs or senior programs.
