Thousands of runners celebrate St Paddy’s in Cleveland by wearing kilts during race
The streets of Cleveland, Ohio, USA were filled with a sea of swinging kilts this Saturday, as hundreds of runners took part in a record-breaking St Patrick’s Day race while dressed in the traditional Celtic garment.
As part of St Malachi Church’s annual Run/Walk event, on 14 March an incredible total of 3,385 runners showed up to the west side of Cleveland to participate in this festive local tradition.
Wearing blue-and-green kilts made of athletic fabric, participants from all ages took to the streets to complete either the two-mile or five-mile course, which ended in a giant post-race party downtown.
As onlookers cheered and music blasted, the runners rushed by in a pack of plaid – officially starting off the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, and setting a Guinness World Records title for the largest kilt race (sports kilt) on Earth.
For the last 47 years, the church has been hosting this fundraising race – which supports over 20 local ministries in their quest to provide food, clothing, and help with rent and utility bills.
Yet this year was particularly special for the organization, as they finally were able to overtake the 2019 record of 2,040 participants achieved by Hermes Sports and Events.
Lining up before the start of the race
“We are very excited to achieve this record,” said the event organizers. “Our team worked very hard for this, and the participants were very inspiring – so the certificate belongs to everyone.”
Read more stories about record-breaking runners in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section!
Before the race, all registered participants were given a T-shirt and kilt branded with the St Malachi’s logo, as well as instructions about how to volunteer with the Church’s outreach programmes.
Organizers told ABC News 5 Cleveland that this is the parish’s largest yearly fundraiser, and that it inspires many people in the local community to give back.
Did you take part in this amazing St. Patrick’s Day Run/Walk with St Malachi’s Church? If so, check out the GWR Store to get your own personalized Record Participant Certificate!
And even though the weather was brisk on the Saturday of the event, according to GWR Adjudicator Tina Shi, the atmosphere at the race was full of the holiday spirit – even if some participants needed to throw on some pants under their kilts!
“This was a very well organized attempt, and the enthusiasm can be felt,” she said.
After the race, participants relaxed at six locations along West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue, where they listened to music and celebrated their new Guinness World Records title.
So congratulations to everyone who took part in this amazing event – you are Officially Amazing!
