The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run is an annual 5-km running race that takes place on a Saturday morning in mid-March in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

In 2024 the the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run happens on Saturday, March 16th. Another awesome running event that same weekend is the Shamrock ‘n Race on March 17th. Earlier in the month there is also the Vancouver Chocolate Run on March 2nd and Big 80’s Run on March 9th.

This article contains the following information about the St. Patrick’s Day Run:

Run Route & Location | What to Expect | Race Fees | Other Information

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run usually takes place on the Saturday just before or after March 17th. In 2024 the race happens on Saturday, March 16th.

The race starts at 9:30 am on Pipeline Road not far from the Stanley Park Pavilion which is usually where the run’s post-race after-party takes place.

In addition to being a fun running race, the event is also a fundraiser. Since its beginning some 15 or so years ago, more than $100,000 has been raised for Diabetes Canada.

Run Route & Location

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run starts and finishes near the Stanley Park Pavilion which is located at 610 Pipeline Road not far from the location of the Stanley Park miniature railway.

The run starts on Pipeline Road and heads south before turning west along Stanley Park Drive. The route then goes along the road parallel to the Stanley Park seawall to Brockton Point, then along the park’s northern shore back to Pipeline Road, and then south to the finish line and where everything started.

The post-race after-party typically takes place both indoors at the Lord Stanley Pub and outside by the Stanley Park Pavilion. The festivities in past years included DJ music as well as free Irish Stew and refreshments for participants. Green beer was also available for sale. 2024 after-party details are to be confirmed.

St. Patrick's Post-Run Party — After-Party at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run

What to Expect

Hundreds of runners take part in the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run each year. You can run the race solo or you can make this a team effort and run together with family, friends or work colleagues. Since it’s a fun event, it’s almost alway nicer to run with buddies or family as you can encourage each other along the way.

Most participants wear at least a bit of green, the majority wear a lot of green and many go all out and dress in full St. Patrick’s Day costumes.

As many as 2,000 people participate in the event each year. Prizes are awarded to the fastest female and male runners as well as to those in the best costumes.

At the race after-party expect to see hundreds of tired but happy folks drinking green beer with their friends in the park. As many as 1,500+ runners complete the race each year. Including their friends and families, as many as 2,000 show up for the party.

Even if you aren’t running yourself, or there to cheer on someone who is, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run can be a fun race to watch, plus Stanley Park is a wonderful place to be.

St. Patrick’s Race Fees

Registration for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run starts at $45. The price increases as the event gets closer. Proceeds from the event support Diabetes Canada, and entry fees are normally waived for runners raising $100 or more in pledges.

OTHER RUNS IN MARCH 2024

There are two other runs happening in March 2024. Both are held at Burnaby Lake Park. First is the Shamrock ‘n Race on Sunday, March 17th. It’s an Irish-themed event. The Big Jungle Run happens on Saturday, May 25th.