HERMANTOWN — With St. Patrick’s Day falling on Tuesday this year, many area residents started their celebrations early by donning green for the weekend’s Saint Fennessy 4K.
Held the day after Friday the 13th, the 13th annual event drew runners and walkers for a 4-kilometer course that began and ended at Skyline Social and Games. The race, part of the Grandma’s Marathon series, started at 10 a.m.
Participants chased more than just fast times. Costume contests awarded gift cards for best overall, best group and best kids, adding a festive, family-friendly element. Entry cost was $40 for adults and free for competitors 18 and younger.
John Curley, 33, of Duluth was the overall winner in 12 minutes, 12 seconds. Elizabeth Kyes was the first female finisher, crossing the line in 15:09.
This year set a registration record, with 858 people signed up — including 321 youth, Grandma’s Marathon marketing and public relations director Zach Schneder said. Race-day results showed 645 finishers in the 4K and 48 in the 2K. Full results are posted on the MTEC website.
The Saint Fennessy 4K benefits the Young Athletes Foundation, which supports youth athletics and healthy lifestyles in the