Photos: Emily John Photography
St. Patrick’s Day tradition promotes light-hearted competition and community celebration.
The festive Luck O’ the Lake 5K and 1-mile races and the 0.5K (all the fun without the run) is back for another year of St. Patrick’s Day fun on March 21. Races will start and end on Water Street in Excelsior. (Packet pickup is at 7 a.m., and races start at 9, 9:05 and 9:30 a.m.)
“The event has been a beloved tradition in Excelsior for years,” says Tiffany King, executive director of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, and it brings together the community “for a day filled with Irish spirit, fitness and fun,” she says.
Those looking to get it on the holiday whimsy sans the sweat but with a little more spunk are encouraged to cheer on runners in downtown Excelsior. Spectators can buy The Lazy Leprechaun ticket, “which is perfect for those who want to support from the sidelines,” King says. “Lazy Leprechauns will receive a race bib; choice of beer or soda; a donut and a pint glass.”
The St. Patrick’s Day festivities will continue after the finish line with refreshments and entertainment provided by the lively Rince na Gréine Irish Dancers, performing at 11 a.m. at Excelsior Brewing Co.
The 5K champions in both categories can look forward to receiving new running shoes, courtesy of The Lakes Running Co., and all age-group winners will receive gifts. Participants can register at business.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com.
