St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about donning green attire and sipping Guinness indoors. In Canada, where the spirit of adventure runs deep, celebrating the Irish holiday often involves outdoor recreation, adventure, and races. Here are six thrilling and fun St. Patrick’s Day runs across Canada where you can have some healthy good times while embracing the Irish spirit. And most of these events still have room for more runners, so check them out!

1. Shamrock’n 5K (Edmonton, Alberta): Lace up your running shoes and join the Shamrock ‘N’ 5K, a festive St. Patrick’s Day-themed race that begins at Churchill Square. The event welcomes runners of all levels with a blend of fitness, fun, and Irish spirit, emphasizing camaraderie and creating lasting memories beyond the finish line. Participants can choose between a 5K run or a 1K family fun run/walk, all while enjoying the crisp spring air and picturesque views.
2. St. Patrick’s Day 5K (Halifax, Nova Scotia): Halifax hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K race, inviting runners of all levels to dash through the city’s historic streets. Green-clad participants spread cheer as they race past landmarks, concluding with a famous race after party  featuring green beer, good food, DJ, and lots of good times.
3. St. Paddy’s Day Beer Run (Calgary, Alberta): The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race, hosted by the Calgary Roadrunners Club, is set for Sunday, March 17, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m. MDT from Central Memorial High School. Registration is open, with discounts available for CRR members. Participants receive a warm performance toque, hot meal, and finisher medal. Additional items like t-shirts and beer can be purchased separately. Package pickup is available at designated locations leading up to race day. Previous race results can be viewed on RacePro.
4. Stanley Park St. Patrick’s Day Run (Vancouver, British Columbia): Vancouver hosts the Stanley Park St. Patrick’s Day Run, a beloved 5K race set amidst the lush greenery of Stanley Park. Taking place on Saturday, March 16th, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the park’s forests and shoreline as they race through the scenic route. The post-race after-party, featuring music and refreshments, adds to the festive atmosphere.
5. Shamrock’n Race (Burnaby, British Columbia): The 18th Annual Shamrock’n Race, featuring 5K, 7-Mile, and Half Marathon options, takes place on March 17th, 2024, circling the picturesque Burnaby Lake. Participants can register online and pick up race packages at designated locations. Staggered starts are scheduled for each distance, with awards presented afterward. The event is tagged-timed, and participants are encouraged to return timing tags post-race to avoid fees.
6. Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Race (Toronto, Ontario): The 25th Annual Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Race, featuring 10k, 5k, and 1k Kid Run options, will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Evergreen Brick Works, with a scenic route along Bayview Extension and Rosedale Valley Road. Established in 2000, this event welcomes participants of all abilities and ages to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while fundraising for Achilles Canada and other charitable partners. Participants will receive a technical running shirt, finisher medal, pint of beer, and a meal.

From coast to coast, these outdoor St. Patrick’s Day events offer thrilling opportunities to celebrate the holiday amidst Canada’s natural beauty. Whether racing through urban streets or hiking along rugged trails, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the greenery and revel in the Irish spirit.