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Run Before You March at the South Side Irish Parade's Emerald Isle Mile

By Howard Ludwig | March 12, 2015 6:06am
 The Emerald Isle Mile kicks off the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday. The one-mile race starts at 11 a.m. All runners must complete the course in 15 minutes.
The Emerald Isle Mile kicks off the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday. The one-mile race starts at 11 a.m. All runners must complete the course in 15 minutes.
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BEVERLY — Some South Siders are so excited for the parade on Sunday that they sprint to the starting point.

Then again, that's the whole idea of the Emerald Isle Mile that begins at 11 a.m., just ahead of the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The one-mile race begins at 112th Street and Western Avenue in Morgan Park. The race heads north, concluding at 104th Street and Western Avenue in Beverly.

The race sends runners down the bulk of the parade route — albeit backward. After the race, runners will gather in the parking lot behind Running Excels at 10328 S. Western Ave. in Beverly.

An award ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. The parade begins at noon and travels south on Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th streets.

Top female and male participants will receive $50 gift certificates to Running Excels. The local running store will also give $25 gift certificates to the top male and female finishers in nine different age categories.

The runner that breaks the course record of 4:32 will also receive a $50 gift certificate. All runners must be able to complete the one-mile course within 15 minutes.

It costs $25 to register for the race on Sunday and $20 to register in advance. Participants will receive a goodie bag that includes a unisex T-shirt. Along with the dri-fit shirt, runners will also receive coupons from area merchants.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Chicago.

Runners can pick up their prerace packets from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit the Emerald Isle Mile website or call 773-629-8587.

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