Even more enjoyed food, drinks, games and live music at the Shuffle’s Block Party at The Square of Union Centre, adjacent to the race start/finish along Old West Chester Road. The square’s large water fountain pumped water dyed St. Patrick’s Day green in honor of the holiday weekend and the festival.
PHOTOS: Runner take part in annual Shamrock Shuffle charity run
“The community has embraced this race and the Shamrock Shuffle is kind of our signature run here in the community,” said Barb Wilson, spokeswoman for the township and one of the charity race participants.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience with road closures here in the middle of West Chester. The event has really picked up in popularity and there are so many charities that benefit from the run that people come from all around the region to honor those charities,” said Wilson.
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Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty and funds the group’s grants as well as raising money for many other local participating charity organizations.
The annual run is the largest fund-raiser for the foundation.
In 2016 the Shamrock Shuffle attracted more than 4,500 participants and raised more than $70,000 for more than 60 individual and group charitable causes.
Erin Clemons, president and CEO of the foundation, said “this is so much fun, we have a great time all day down here and a great block party. It’s so much more than a run and it’s a good family event.”
Clemons said the races and event went smoothly and without incident.
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Liberty Township resident Heather Wullenweber was among the walkers and has been participating in the race for five years.
“We raise money for the Lakota West High School scholarship fund and we raise around $500 every year. It’s pretty important to us,” said Wullenweber.
“The weather is not great but it’s still a good time,” she said.
Trey Weinberger, 19, of West Chester, sported an Irish green fake moustache and said “it’s a blast and the environment is fantastic.”
VIDEO: See the Shamrock Shuffle race and festival @journal-news.com
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