5K - 11:00 A.M. Sunday March 16, 2008
Davis Square Somerville, Massachusetts

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 and 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, and will run this year on February 24, 2008.

Men and 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 and 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 and explore, from the many ancient dolmens to the remains of a thirteenth century cathedral at Tipperary, from pastoral villages to exciting cities. Sheer cliffs and crashing surf contrast with idyllic green valleys and green turf.

Do you know that Ireland has the youngest population in Europe, and the fastest growing economy of western nations over the last five years? Forty million Americans claim Irish heritage, along with five million Canadians and an equal number of Australians. The culture of Ireland is ingrained in the American character. Who has not heard of Sligo, Galway, Cork, Killarney, Dublin, Kilkenny, Kerry, Limerick, Ulster, Louth, Tipperary, and Wexford? Do Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, and George Bernard Shaw ring a bell?

The Irish are very good at running, and also good at celebrating life. That is what is happening in Somerville, Massachusetts on March 16, 2008. This is “Beannachtai na feile Padraig”, or Happy St. Patrick’s Day, for real.