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

Ras na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. It is a celebration of traditions dating back centuries—and simply a celebration of spring in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Everyone is invited to Somerville, Massachusetts, all runners and walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This race was born in Ireland and named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars.

The U.S.A. race will be held on Sunday, March 16, starting at 11:00 a.m., beginning and ending in Davis Square. There will be loads of Craic—a celebration and appreciation of heritage and history, the magic and mystery that move everyone to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on the Run—the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km.

This race is a gem, an Emerald to be sure, and has become a local spring tradition in only four years. What a way to kick off the new 2007 racing season and celebrate the coming of spring. And this year it will be a three-day affair. This Ras (race) and Craic (party) will indeed be celebrations—for everyone.

It is competitive too. Course records were set in 2006 in both the men and women’s races, and they were among the fastest in New England. Irishman Mark Kenneally of Dublin, Ireland sped to 14:19, and Maria McCambridge of Dublin, Ireland glided to 15:12.

For many 2008 participants, however, it will be an outing to jog or walk just to join in the fun.

No, you do not have to be Irish to run this race! Somerville, Massachusetts is a city of great diversity, and it was diverse long before we all began to hear the term. And it is a city that celebrates life. March 15th through March 16th there will be a strong touch of Ireland in Somerville--invention, passion, heritage, culture, customs, and beliefs. It will be a green weekend through and through, as Irish as lace, potatoes, shamrocks, and Guinness. Brilliant! Enjoy a touch of the Emerald Isle in Somerville, Massachusetts.

The Somerville Striders Athletic Club, host of the event, has announced a two-day series of happenings for the fifth annual celebration. There will be a one-day Ras Expo on Saturday, March 16th. It will be sponsored by Marathon Sports and Mizuno. Attractive event merchandise will be on sale--quality items to remember the enjoyable race and celebration.

T-shirt, Championchip, and bib number pick-up will be available at the various Marathon Sports stores in Greater Boston and within the city of Boston on Tuesday, March 11th, Wednesday, March 12th, Thursday, March 13th, and Friday, March 14th. They will also be available at the Race Expo, 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Olde Magoun's Saloon and on race day.

Strict Limit—Don’t Get Shut Out
The field limit has expanded to 2,500 to meet the demand. It sold out the last four years. The size of the field must necessarily be limited because of the accommodations and the course. The Somerville Striders Athletic Club insists on maintaining a really high quality experience for all participants. The Ras na hEireann USA 5Km is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic, and many want to be part of the celebration, before, during, and after the race. Runners and walkers will enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Get the registrations in early, and don’t be left out. At the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km everyone will feel like a winner.

Be There for the Fun of It
Some terrifically hard work has gone into making this a genuinely unique and enjoyable experience. This event offers about as much fun as you can have in racing. As successful as the first three were, this year promises to be even greater. It will have the genuine feel of Ireland, and the diversity of Somerville.

Spring into action. This is definitely your spring race, your springboard to a terrifically successful and enjoyable season. Plan to shake off the winter blues with a hefty dose of Green. It will be a genuine Ras and Craic. The Race of Ireland and the United States is more than a 5Km run and walk in Somerville, Massachusetts. It is a big time celebration. Join in. The Irish know how to run, and they know how to throw a party. Enjoy the experience, the tradition, and the celebration.