Blarney Blitz 5K Kicks off St. Patty’s Week in Peoria

PEORIA (25News Now) - The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began early this week in Peoria.

First kicking off the holiday with the annual Blarney Blitz

Runners woke up early for the 8AM kick-off down on the Riverfront Trail.

This year’s 2023 race featured close to 500 participants, and each received a drink ticket to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Kelleher’s.

25News caught up with the first finisher, Ansel Wachter, who came in with a time of just seconds over 17 minutes, he says this race is not just a celebration of the Irish tradition but a community gathering together to have a good time.

”Everyone that they do is special because there is so much more beyond getting together and going for a run,” says Wachter, “it’s actually not too bad of a day. That’s what it is for it and what sets it apart, kind of all the extra community-driven stuff that comes with it.”

With people decked out in their lucky green attire, Race Director Adam White says holding this 5K is the best way to begin the week-long celebration and bring everyone together.

”What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a community event to kick off the week with a local 5K right? It made perfect sense for us to start off with a run. Bring the community,” said White.

On St. Patrick’s Day next Friday, there are a few parades scheduled throughout the area including Peoria’s big one beginning at 11 AM, together, celebrate and look forward to the 17th of March.