Second annual Sham Rock 5K set for March 6

Thursday, February 25, 2021
Signaling a return of St. Patrick’s Day spirit — and perhpas normal activity — the second annual Sham Rock 5K is set for Saturday, March 6 in downtown Greencastle. Runners and walkers in typical running gear as well as those in more seasonal attire, such as leprechaun Jared Brentlinger and wife Laura at last year’s event, will take part.
Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The 300 or so folks who attended the inaugural Sham Rock 5K in downtown Greencastle might just remember it as the last time things felt “normal” in the community.

The event took place on March 7, 2020, about a week before COVID-19 restrictions began changing the way local residents learned, worked, shopped and lived and about two weeks before the first confirmed case in the county.

But on that frigid morning in late winter, people were just running, walking and interacting as normal, trying to raise funds for the annual Greencastle Music Festival, which did not take place in August 2020.

That’s the way organizer Gail Smith remembers it.

“It was the last normal thing that happened in the city. It absolutely was,” Smith said. “And, on another note, I hope it will be the first normal thing that happens moving forward.”

The second annual event is set for Saturday, March 6 with a goal of not only raising funds for the late-summer celebration, but in the hope that it serves as a harbinger of a return to normalcy.

“It’s to raise funds for the Music Fest, which is going to be Aug. 27 and 28 this year,” Smith said. “We are hopeful it will happen this year.”

The race will begin at 10 a.m. in front of Almost Home, following a route that will go around the DePauw University campus before returning to downtown Greencastle.

Last year’s event had more than 300 participants, and more than 100 have signed up so far this year.

“We know a lot of folks haven’t signed up yet,” Smith said.

While registration will continue until the morning of the race, those who register by Sunday, Feb. 28 will receive a Sham Rock 5K T-shirt.

Registration costs $25 plus a $3.25 fee. Besides entry into the race, the registration entitles entrants 21 and older to a fee beer after the race.

For those who pre-register, packet pickup is available at the Almost Home bar from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening and from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday.

While Almost Home is the host of the event, more than 20 other sponsors have signed on as well. Smith is still looking for volunteers to help with the event.

Following the race, there will be a ceremony with prizes for the fastest in various age groups as well as the most unusually dressed participant.

In perhaps the best news off all, advanced forecasts call for a sunny day with temperatures nearing 50 degrees on March 6, a far cry from the chilly temps of last year.

Those wanting to sign up or learn more information may visit hwww.greencastlemusicfest.com/shamrock-5k/.

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