Tucson, November 25, 2025
Join the Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk in downtown Tucson on March 15, 2026. This annual event promotes health and community spirit while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Runners of all skill levels can participate in the 5K and 1-mile courses. The event features a unique finisher medal, awards for top finishers, and includes complimentary beer for participants aged 21 and over. Registration details are available online, with proceeds benefiting the Children of Fallen Officers Scholarship Fund.
Return of the Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk to Tucson
Join the Annual Celebration of Community and Health!
Tucson, Arizona – The Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk is poised to welcome participants on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in downtown Tucson, aligning with the city’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. This lively event, hosted by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners (SAR), promotes health, fitness, and community involvement while encouraging personal initiative and local engagement. With both 5K and 1-mile courses along the scenic parade route, excitement is building for this annual celebration of local spirit and athleticism.
The Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk exemplifies how minimal bureaucracy can foster vibrant community events. SAR’s effective organization showcases ingenuity and dedication, allowing residents of all ages to come together in a supportive environment. By streamlining the registration process and providing participants engaging incentives, such events have the potential to reinvigorate community bonds and celebrate individual achievements.
Event Highlights
- Unique Finisher Medal and Shirt: All 5K participants will receive a custom finisher medal and a race shirt available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
- Complimentary Beer: Runners and walkers aged 21 and over will receive a complimentary beer at the festival once they present their race bib.
- Awards: Top three male and female finishers, along with masters and age group winners up to 80+, will be honored with awards, including gift certificates and festive prizes.
- Parade Participation: Winners of the 5K will have the unique honor of riding in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Registration Details
Registration fees for the event vary based on the date of sign-up:
- 5K Race:
- $30 – Through July 31, 2025
- $35 – August 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
- $40 – December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- $45 – February 1, 2026 – March 13, 2026
- $50 – Packet pickup and race day
- 1 Mile Race:
- Free – Ages 3 and under
- $20 – Through July 31, 2025
- $20 – August 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
- $20 – December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- $25 – February 1, 2026 – March 13, 2026
- $30 – Packet pickup and race day
For registration and further information, potential participants can visit the official event page.
Event Schedule
- 7:00 AM: Race day registration opens at Armory Park
- 7:30 AM: National Anthem
- 7:32 AM: 1-mile participants walk to the start line from Armory Park
- 7:40 AM: 1-mile race start
- 7:50 AM: National Anthem
- 7:52 AM: 5K participants walk to the start line from Armory Park
- 8:00 AM: 5K race start
- 8:45 AM: 5K award ceremony begins near the finish line
- 9:00 AM: Beer garden opens; participants 21 & over can claim their free beer
- 10:00 AM: Festival opens with food vendors, merchandise, and a kids’ zone
- 10:30 AM: Parade VIP area opens; parade starts
Parking Information
Participants are encouraged to park outside the loop course and staging area. Some recommended parking areas include:
- North of Broadway Blvd
- East of 4th Ave
- South of 16th St
- West of Stone Ave
Avoid parking within those streets to mitigate delays related to road closures or potential towing.
Beneficiary
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Children of Fallen Officers Scholarship Fund, providing essential support to families of fallen law enforcement officers. This illustrates how community events can contribute positively to vital local causes, aligning personal initiative with civic responsibility.
Safety Guidelines
Your safety remains important; thus participants should acknowledge the inherent risks associated with racing and proceed at their own discretion.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will occur on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Running Shop from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and again on race day at the event site from 7:00 AM until 15 minutes before the race start time.
Course Information
The 5K course is designed to be flat and fast, consisting of three loops, and is USATF certified, making it eligible for state age group records. The 1-mile course will follow a single loop, encouraging participation regardless of skill level.
Volunteer Opportunities
Individuals interested in volunteering for this community-focused event can find more information on the official event page.
Weather Forecast
Historical weather data for Tucson on March 15, 2025, indicates the temperature will average around 12.5°C (54.5°F), providing a mild setting for runners and walkers. Local weather typically remains favorable this time of year, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, contact Steven Outridge at [email protected].
About the Organizer
The Southern Arizona Roadrunners (SAR), a committed non-profit organization, actively promotes running and walking events throughout Southern Arizona, exemplifying a strong dedication to fostering community wellness and engagement.
Event Location
The Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk will take place at Armory Park, located at 220 S 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Additional Information
For further details on the Tucson St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, additional resources can be accessed through the official event website.
FAQ
What is the Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk?
The Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk is a festive event held in downtown Tucson, Arizona, coinciding with the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival.
When is the event scheduled?
The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.
What are the distances of the courses?
The event offers both 5K and 1-mile courses along the parade route.
What time do the races start?
The 5K race starts at 8:00 AM, while the 1-mile race starts at 7:40 AM.
What is provided for race participants?
Participants in the 5K race will receive a custom finisher medal and a race shirt, along with complimentary beer for those 21 and over.
What is the registration fee?
The 5K registration fees vary by sign-up date, starting from $30 up to $50 on race day, while the 1-mile race fee starts at free for ages 3 and under, up to $30 on race day.
Key Features of the Desert Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Primary Organizer | Southern Arizona Roadrunners |
| Main Distances | 5K and 1-mile courses |
| Start Times | 1-mile at 7:40 AM, 5K at 8:00 AM |
| Location | Armory Park, Tucson, AZ |
| Registration Fees | $30 to $50 (5K); Free to $30 (1-mile) |
| Beneficiary | Children of Fallen Officers Scholarship Fund |
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