In anticipation of platefuls of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and cabbage on Saint Patrick’s Day, start the weekend off right with a 5K Road Race or a one-mile Family Fun Run. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and pull off a win! In fact, the race is the first of the year for the New Hampshire Grand Prix, an annual road running racing series for the running clubs of New Hampshire. If you do feel your competitive spirit pushing you toward the finish line, you will be rewarded with a free first pint from Harpoon Brewery at the Salt Hill Beer Garden after-party (for runners age 21 and up, of course). So don your greenest garb and make your way to the starting line!

The Shamrock Shuffle takes place in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Saturday, March 14. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 11am, while the 5K road race begins at noon. The start of the race is at City Hall; you won’t be able to miss the festivities happening on the Lebanon Green as well. Race-day registration begins at 9am, or you can register online in advance. For the 5K road race, it’s $28 for adults, $23 for ages 13 to 17, and $18 for youth 12 and under. The Fun Run is free to all. Preregistered 5K runners will receive a long-sleeve cotton tee shirt commemorating the event. Additionally, there will be medals and prizes for the top male and female finishers in each age group. This race is a great opportunity to put your best foot forward and maybe even gain a win for your record.

If you wish to extend your running past the Shamrock Shuffle, you can join one of the RRCA or USATF New Hampshire running clubs listed here. By competing in all of the New Hampshire Grand Prix races this year, you will dub yourself a “Granite Runner” and win points for your team just by getting out on the race courses. Membership in one of these clubs is a great way to get motivated and keep yourself in the road-race loop throughout the entire year. Plus, you’ll meet many other running enthusiasts, and you might even be lucky enough to snag some running buddies!

The Shamrock Shuffle is a very family-friendly event. The course is relatively flat and runs along the Mascoma River. Pre-race snacks include Gatorade, bananas, and bagels, and there is a water stop at mile 2 on the 5K course. In addition, if you’re 21, you can celebrate completing the race at the Salt Hill Beer Garden with Harpoon Brewery. Grab some bangers and mash while you’re at it, and kick off the week leading up to the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in style!