While nobody will confuse downtown Hartford with the Emerald Isle, this 5k will bring out the Irish in everyone! It's a great atmosphere, costumes encouraged, bagpipers, and beer at the end. This is the final of the St. Patty's day themed races put on by the Hartford Marathon Foundation.

Pre race - New for the 2017 race, packet pickup and same day registration is at Bushnell Park. The lines are well managed and move quickly.

Course - New course for 2017! The 5k will start and finish on Elm Street next to Bushnell Park. It's a rolling course with water at the start, 1.5 miles, and the finish. Portalets at the start and finish. There's also races for the wee ones with distances at 1/4, 1/2 and 1 mile.

Swag - Custom knit socks for 2017. It's a safe bet they'll be green and Irish themed. Also, a small green medal that isn't very impressive by itself, but if you should run all 4 of the O' races the 4 small medals link up like Voltron to form a pretty sweet 4 leaf clover. If not, hey, it's still a medal for a 5k, not bad.

Awards - Top 3 overall Male and Female. Then age groups male and female starting at 9 and under - 80+ at 5 year increments. Clydesdale (men 200lbs+) Athena (150lbs+). Wheelchair. Costume awards as well. Of course no double dipping!

Post race - 1 free beer if you're legal. Usually corn beef, bagels, etc.

My advice, show up an hour early, bring spectators, hit one of the local bars pre-race. They usually hook you up with a free jello shot or something. Hit the starting line 5 minutes before. Crank out 3.1 as fast as you can. Grab your free beer, then head to a local bar or restaurant. There are several pub style places to choose from. With 2,000+ runners you'll have some good company. One more thing, this should be obvious but wear green....Don't be one of the 3 people who show up in some other color. It's ok to conform once in a while, then go back to being your own lovely self.