Overview

 

Ras na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. It is a celebration of traditions dating back centuries - and simply a celebration of spring in Somerville, Massachusetts.

 

Everyone is invited to Somerville, Massachusetts, all runners and walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick's Day celebration. This race was born in Ireland & named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars.

 

This year's race will have loads of Craic - a celebration & appreciation of heritage & history, the magic & mystery that move everyone to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Yes, a St. Patrick's Day Celebration on the Run - the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km.

 

This race is a gem, an Emerald to be sure,& has become a local spring tradition over the last eight years. What a way to kick off the new racing season & celebrate the coming of spring. This Ras (race) and Craic (party) will indeed be celebrations—for everyone.

 

It is competitive too. The Women's Course Record was set in 2010 by Molly Huddle, of Providence, Rhode Island, with a time of 15:59. The Men's Course Record was set in 2006 by Irishman Mark Kenneally of Dublin, Ireland, who ran a speedy 14:19. For many participants, however, it will be an outing to jog or walk just to join in the fun.

 

No, you don't have to be Irish to run this race! Somerville, Massachusetts, is a city of great diversity, & it was diverse long before we all began to hear the term. And it is a city that celebrates life. From March 13th through 17th there will be a strong touch of Ireland in Somerville–invention, passion, heritage, culture, customs, & beliefs. It will be a green weekend through & through, as Irish as lace, potatoes, shamrocks, & Guinness. Brilliant! Enjoy a touch of the Emerald Isle in Somerville, Massachusetts.

 

Tee-shirt & Bib Number with B-Tag timing device will be available for pick-up at the various Marathon Sports retail stores in Greater Boston & within the city of Boston in the days leading up to the race.

 

Strict Limit - Don't Get Shut Out

The field limit is 5,000. The Ras has sold out the last eight years. The size of the field must necessarily be limited because of the accommodations & the course. The Somerville Striders Athletic Club insists on maintaining a really high quality experience for all participants. The Ras na hEireann USA 5Km is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic,& many want to be part of the celebration, before, during, & after the race. Runners & walkers will enjoy a memorable race & St. Patrick's Day celebration. Get the registrations in early, & don't be left out. At the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km everyone will feel like a winner.

 

Be There for the Fun of It

Some terrifically hard work has gone into making this a genuinely unique & enjoyable experience. This event offers about as much fun as you can have in racing. As successful as the first eight were, this year promises to be even greater. It will have the genuine feel of Ireland, & the diversity of Somerville.

 

Spring into action. This is definitely your spring race, your springboard to a terrifically successful & enjoyable season. Plan to shake off the winter blues with a hefty dose of Green. It will be a genuine Ras & Craic. The Race of Ireland and the United States is more than a 5Km run & walk in Somerville, Massachusetts. It is a big time celebration. Join in. The Irish know how to run, & they know how to throw a party. Enjoy the experience, the tradition, & the celebration.

race heritage

 

The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is named for an event in Ireland, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country Race, Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Dunleer Athletic Club hosts the International. The original Ras is a series of cross-country races in 14 different divisions from youngsters 9 & under up to international stars. Race distances vary accordingly, from 600 meters for the youngest to 6,000 meters for the big stars. Racing is open to all, including separate masters divisions. These races have been held since 1971,& will run this year in February. Men & women's cross-country racing has deep roots in Ireland. Club racing - very strong on the Emerald Isle - is primarily cross-country, as compared to predominately road racing in the USA. Termonfechin, County Louth, is approximately half way between Dublin & Belfast, located near the East coast on the Irish Sea.

 

Traditions from Ireland

Ireland is a small country, about the same size as West Virginia or South Carolina, with a population of about 4.3 million. But what an impact it has had considering its relative size. There is so much to see & explore, from the many ancient dolmens to the remains of a thirteenth century cathedral at Tipperary, from pastoral villages to exciting cities. Sheer cliffs & crashing surf contrast with idyllic green valleys & green turf.

 

Do you know that Ireland has the youngest population in Europe, & the fastest growing economy of western nations over the last five years? Forty million Americans claim Irish heritage, along with five million Canadians & an equal number of Australians. The culture of Ireland is ingrained in the American character. George Bernard Shaw ring a bell?

 

The Irish are very good at running, & also good at celebrating life. This is "Beannachtai na feile Padraig", or Happy St. Patrick's Day, for real.