Over 700 Runners Participate in the Second Annual St. Patty's 5k Race
-->By: Carmen Chau
Updated: March 18, 2013
HAGERSTOWN, MD- Downtown Hagerstown had plenty of green to go around. Rain or shine, over 700 participants took part in the second annual St. Patty's 5K Race.
"This year, we're at 700 participants. This is our second year doing it. Last year, we had 393 so even with the weather, we still almost doubled our turnout from last year," says Jamie Dick, Washington County Recreation Director.
The race welcomed runners of all ages with no such thing as coming in last place.
"It's very special because it's good to help out the free clinic. Everybody likes to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Everybody's Irish for one day. It's a great holiday. It's a great way to exercise and have a good time," adds Dick.
The runners started at North Potomac and Washington Street and finished at South Potomac and Antietam Street.
It was a 3.1 mile loop course and one runner was especially determined to reach the finish line.
"You set a goal, make a plan to reach that goal and then accomplish it and then reach the next goal," says Deanna Schleigh, a Hagerstown resident that participated in the race.
To conclude the race, an award ceremony was held inside the Maryland Theatre.
The first winner received a $150 cash prize and those who came in second and third received a $50 cash prize.
