Final Running Of The Emerald Isle Mile On Parade Day This Year

CHICAGO (BEVERLY) — The Emerald Isle Mile, the one-mile Western Avenue race that's recently become a tradition on the morning of the South Side Irish Parade, will soon be in the history books. Organizers announced Monday that the 2020 Emerald Isle Mile will be the final one.

"We only get so many people to run it," said Beverly Lynch, owner of Running Excels.

The race, a one-mile loop from 104th Street to 108th Street and back just a half-hour before the parade starts, usually only gets about 120 people to sign up, Lynch said.

"We've noticed that by that time people are already celebrating and don't want to run the race," Lynch said. "But since this is the final year, maybe that will encourage people to do it."

The Emerald Isle Mile started in 2012, the year the parade returned after a two-year hiatus.

Lynch won't rule out the possibility of bringing it back though in future years.

"Maybe if we go without it for a few years and bring it back more people will be interested but we'll see," she said.

Sign Up

Sign up for the race here. All who sign up will get a free T-shirt.