Irish Jig 5K

When and where can I pick up my race packet?

☘️ Friday: Noon to 5:30p
Corewell Health Sports Medicine Center
2770 E. Beltline Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

☘️ Saturday: 6:00a to 9:15a
East Grand Rapids High School Gym
2211 Lake Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Note, the 5K starts at 8:30a, all 5K bibs need to be picked up by 8:15a. The Kids Gold Ribbon Run starts at 9:30a, all Kids Run bibs need to be picked up by 9:15a

 

Can I pay by check or cash when I register for the event?

No, please pay with a credit card when registering online. Cash and checks will not be accepted.

 

Can I reserve a certain shirt size?

If you register by Monday, February 17, you will be able to select your shirt size. Those who register after February 17 will be able to choose from available remaining shirt sizes.

 

Can I participate pushing a stroller?

Yes, but those pushing baby strollers must walk the course and will begin after the walkers.

 

Can I bring my animal with me to participate?

Only service dogs are allowed on the race course. Other pets are welcome as spectators.

 

What time does the event start?

The Corewell Health Irish Jig will begin at 8:30 a.m.

 

Is walking the course permitted? 

Walking the course is allowed, but participants must complete the route within 75 minutes of their start time. Walkers will begin their event after all runners have crossed the starting line, at approximately 8:45 a.m. If you cannot complete the course in 75 minutes, you may be asked to finish the race on the sidewalk so the roads can be reopened to traffic. You will be included in the results if you complete the 5K when the finish line closes at 10:00 a.m.

 

Where do I park?

There will be limited traffic access near the race course from 7:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on event day, Saturday, March 14. Street parking is available around East Grand Rapids High School. For a map of available street parking, visit Gaslight-Village-Parking-Map.

The start/finish area is in front of the library and parking will not be available in this area.  Please remember to obey all of the posted signs, including private parking lots that are in around Gas Light Village, which includes the lot where D&W is located. When parking on the street, obey all traffic laws and posted signs, including not obstructing driveways, crosswalks, and hydrants. 

 

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are available inside the East Grand Rapids High School. Portable restrooms are available near the start/finish line. 
 

What if the race gets canceled?

In the event the race is canceled, the event will pivot to a virtual event and all registration fees will be donated to the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.

How a virtual event works:

1. You will receive an email when the virtual race opens
2. You will have two weeks to run a 5K and record your time
3. Enter your time on the results page
4. At the end of the two weeks, winners will be announced via email
5. Those who have registered prior to the cancellation will be able to pick-up their shirts. Registrants who reside 30 or more miles from East Grand Rapids will have shirts sent to the address used at time of registration.

The Irish Jig has safety procedures for severe weather and critical events in partnership with Corewell Health and East Grand Rapids Public Safety. Corewell Health reserves the right to cancel the race in the event of severe weather or other critical events. Registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

 

What is the “Cross County Method of Scoring” referenced in the Team Competition?

Team participants are scored by assigning a point value for the place they finish in their respective age group. If a runner finishes first, one point will be earned. Finishing 55th would earn 55 points. In each team, the five lowest points awarded will be totaled to give the team score. “Cross Country” is similar to golf in that the lowest score wins. Winners are based upon the lowest point totals, not the lowest combined times.

Does this race benefit charity?

The 2026 Irish Jig offers participants the opportunity to make an impact on cancer research and care through Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.