BUFFALO, N.Y. — The last big event to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold is returning as an in-person event this year.
Last year there were only 150 in-person runners taking part; everyone else took part virtually.
Thousands of runners will take to the streets of the Old First Ward and Larkin neighborhoods for the 44th annual Shamrock Run. The five-mile run will step off from the Old First Ward Community Center on Republic Street on Saturday, March 5 at noon.
A virtual Shamrock Run will remain an option for those not able to attend in person.
Roswell Park President and CEO Dr. Candace Johnson will fire off the starting gun. The race will be followed by an Irish Hooley back at the Community Center.
Those who sign up for run will receive a weather-proof vest with pockets upon registration. The vest will also be available for purchase separately during race week along with limited-edition Shamrock Run blankets, winter caps and koozies.
There will be road closures for the event. They include:
- Seneca Street and South Park Avenue, between Michigan and Van Rensselaer streets, as well as all intersections along those corridors;
- Michigan Street, between Ohio and Seneca streets;
- Louisiana Street, between South and Seneca streets;
- Hamburg Street, from South Park Avenue to South Street;
- St. Clair Street, between South and Ohio streets; and
- Ohio Street, between Louisiana and Michigan streets.
Those streets will be reopened after the race, except for Louisiana Street, between South Park Avenue and South Street. A City of Buffalo spokesperson says that road will reopen following post-race festivities.