SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The BARC Fitness Expo presented by Covenant HealthCare takes place at Bay City John Glenn High School on Saturday, March 16 from 10AM -2PM

The Leprechaun Races presented by LeBourdais Orthodontics (for the kids) will be held at Bay City John Glenn High School beginning at 2PM on Saturday, March 16 - immediately following completion of the Fitness Expo.

Packet Pickup Times and Locations:

  • Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10AM to 2PM at the BARC Fitness Expo presented by Covenant HealthCare at John Glenn High School 3201 Kiesel Road, Bay City, MI 48706

  • Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 8:00AM to 10:45AM at the Bay Area Community Foundation Building, 1000 Adams St, Bay City, MI 48708

The BARC Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Races presented by Jolt Credit Union take place Sunday, March 17 in Downtown Bay City

  • 8K My Team Triumph/Hand Cycle Start Time: 8:45AM

  • 8K Run Start Time: 9:00AM

  • 5K Run Start Time: 10:30AM

  • 5K Competitive Walk* Start Time: 10:45AM

  • 5K Non-Competitive Walk* Start Time: 11:00AM

    All events will begin near the intersection of Center Avenue and Adams Street (across from Wirt Library)

    * Competitive Walkers will receive race bibs with timing chips. Non-Competitive Walkers will not have timing chips and will not receive finish times.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Bay City St Patrick's Day Races are a major fundraiser for Bay Area Runners Club, a 501c3 Charitable Organization donating proceeds right back into the community. Please scroll through the information below for answers to common questions about this event.

Where is the start line?   The start line has changed for this year and will be near the intersection of Center Avenue and Adams Street in Downtown Bay City.

When and where can I pick up my race packet?  You can pick up your race bib and shirt at:

  • Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10AM to 2PM at the BARC Fitness Expo presented by Covenant HealthCare at John Glenn High School 3201 Kiesel Road, Bay City, MI 48706

  • Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 8:00AM to 10:45AM at the Bay Area Community Foundation Building, 1000 Adams St, Bay City, MI 48708

What time do the races begin? MyTeamTriumph and Hand Cycle 8K start is at 8:45 AM. 8K Run - 9:00 AM, 5K Run - 10:30 AM, Competitive 5K Walk - 10:45 AM and Non-Competitive 5K Walk at 11:00 AM.

When is the Leprechaun Run?  The Leprechaun Races are on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at John Glenn High School 3201 Kiesel Road, Bay City, MI 48706 beginning at 2:00PM. Race distances are ¼, ½, and 1 mile and will be run on the school track. The 1/4 mile event will take place at 2:00PM. The 1/2 mile event will take place at 2:15PM or when track is cleared from 1/4 mile event. The 1 mile event will take place at 2:30PM or when the track is cleared from the 1/2 mile event. NOTE: Packet Pickup and the expo close at 2:00PM. All Leprechaun participants please arrive early enough to collect bibs and shirts before 2:00.

What is the Irish Double?  A combination of both the 8K and 5K run events that provides participants with lower pricing than what would be paid for the two races individually.  Those registered for the Irish Double will receive a black shirt with “Irish Double Finisher” on the sleeve signifying participation in the Irish Double, as well as both the St. Pat's AND larger Irish Double Finisher medals.  The Irish Double offering is limited to 800 participants. Irish Double registration cutoff is at midnight, March 7, 2024. No Irish Double registrations will be available after that.

Will there be shirts? Event shirts are guaranteed to those who register before midnight on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024. Additional shirts will be made for those who register later but are not guaranteed and will be distributed at packet pickup on a first come, first serve basis. Those registering for the Irish Double will have the option to pay $10 more to receive both the St. Pat’s and Irish Double shirts.

Is there a cutoff time for my race start? Yes. See cutoffs below:

  • Start line for 8K Run closes at 9:10AM. Any 8K Runner starting after 9:10AM will be disqualified and will not receive a timed finish.

  • Start line for 5K Run closes at 10:40AM. Any 5K Runner starting after 10:40AM will be disqualified and will not receive a timed finish.

  • Start Line for 5K Competitive Walk closes at 10:55AM. Any 5K Competitive Walker starting after 10:55 will be disqualified and will not receive a timed finish.

  • Start Line for 5K Noncompetitive Walk closes at 11:05AM. We will place a hard stop on anyone starting after 11:05 as we need to clear the course ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Can one run both the 8K and 5k?  Yes. Runners should register for the Irish Double if spots are available.  If the Irish Double is sold out, participants may still register for the 8k and 5k races individually but will not receive Irish Double swag.

When and where can I pick up my race packet?  You can pick up your race bib and shirt at the BARC Fitness Expo presented by Covenant HealthCare at John Glenn High School 3201 Kiesel Road, Bay City, MI 48706 on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10AM to 2PM or at the Bay Area Community Foundation Building, 1000 Adams St, Bay City, MI 48708 on Race Day - Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 8:00AM to 10:45AM.

Where can I find a map of the course?  See below

Can one sign up for the race at the BARC Fitness Expo?  Yes. On-site registration is available from 10AM to 2PM.  Please note that shirts are not guaranteed to late registrants. 

How can I become an exhibitor at the BARC Fitness Expo? Please go to the link at the top of the page titled "Expo" or click HERE.

Can one register the day of the race?  Yes. From 8:00AM - 10:30AM at the Bay Area Community Foundation Building, 1000 Adams St, Bay City, MI 48708

Where can one park on Sunday?  Plentiful street parking is available in Downtown Bay City or with many parking lots accessible too - and they are all open on Sundays!  

Where can I sign up? Click HERE for the registration page.

Can one mail a registration form?  Yes. But manual registration pricing is slightly higher than online registration. CLICK HERE  for printable mail-in registration form.

What is the deadline for guarantee of receiving an event shirt?  Event shirts in the correct size are guaranteed to those who register before midnight Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Those registering after that date are not guaranteed a race shirt.

Can race packets be picked up by someone other than the registered runner?  Yes they can!

Are there hills on the course?  No! This race course is VERY flat and VERY fast!

Will restrooms be available?  Yes. Port-a-johns will be available throughout the start/finish area.

Are there finisher medals?  Yes. All 8k and 5k finishers will receive high quality medals signifying their accomplishment.  Irish Double participants will receive both the 8k/5k participant medal AND a special 3” Irish Double finisher medal. Leprechaun race participants will receive special Leprechaun race medals.

Are there awards?  Yes! Awards are as follows:

8k Run – Overall 1st-3rd Male and Female

8k Run – Overall Masters* 1st-3rd Male and Female

5k Run – Overall 1st-3rd Male and Female

5k Run – Overall Masters* 1st-3rd Male and Female

5k Competitive Walk – Overall 1st-3rd Male and Female

5k Competitive Walk – Overall Masters* 1st-3rd Male and Female

*Masters category begins at age 40. 

Age Group Awards - 8k Run & 5k Run events will have Age Group Awards for the following Age Breakdowns: 1-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-56, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-98

5K Competitive Walk event will have Age Group Awards for the following Age Breakdowns: 1-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

5K Non-Competitive Walk event will be un-timed and will not have age group awards.

Is there a special medal for the Irish Double?  Yes. If you register for one of the 800 available Irish Double spots and complete both races (8K & 5K run), you will receive a special 3” medal for the Irish Double along with one St. Patrick’s Day Races finisher medal for a total of 2 medals.

Can I run AND walk the 5k? Yes, but if you intend to run even a little, you must sign up for the 5k run!  No running is allowed if you are registered for the 5K Competitive Walk. CLICK HERE to view the Guidelines for Walkers.

Can I WALK the 8k?  Participants in the 8k event have 1 hour 20 minutes to complete that event.   Race begins at 9:00AM and all 8k participants must be across the finish line by 10:20AM. Participants should not sign up with the intention of walking the 8k event and should work to finish as quickly as possible. We understand that some participants may have to alternately run and walk the 8k event, but just walking it is not allowed. There is NOT an 8k Walk race category as the timing and event management companies need to close out the event and prepare for the start of the 5k races.

Can I use or bring: my dog, a stroller, in-line skates, large objects or bicycles?  No. Event liability insurance for this race does not allow for any of these items on the course. The course will be crowded so please do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others.

Will there be refreshments at the finish line area?  YES. Our Hydration Sponsors at Bay City headquartered Shine Water will be at the finish line with refreshment! There will also be bottled water, fruit and cookies. 

If my family takes some really good pictures at the race and I want to share them, can I send them somewhere? YES. PLEASE. We are always looking for good pictures! Please send any pics you’d like to share to info@digdeepraces.com. You can also post them on the Bay Area Runners Club Facebook page.

Where and when can I find results?  Results are automated and are posted shortly after completion of the race.  Use a mobile phone to scan the code on your race bib for instant results!

I am walking with a group of friends; can we all walk side by side? Whether walking or running, please limit the across width to be no more than three across -- at max --Two is preferred! Some of the streets are narrow and you MUST allow room for others to pass! Be courteous out there - we are all friends!

Will there be aid/water stations on the course? Yes. There will be one aid/water station between Green Ave and Carroll Blvd (along Center Ave) near the 5K Turnaround for both the 8K and 5K events.

There will be no refund or transfer of registration fees for this event. Cancellation for reason of force majeure i.e. due to occurrence of incidents that are beyond the control of the Organizer (including but not limited to ice, storm, rain, inclement weather, wind, act of God, terrorism or other conditions) or other instances which in the Organizer's opinion, renders it impossible or unsafe to hold the Event will not be cause for refund or transfer of any fees. Please read Participant Waivers thoroughly for additional details before registering.