Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – Runners in green lined up outside the Lucan Community Memorial Centre on March 14 as nearly 300 people took part in Lucan’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, turning the afternoon into a mix of races, food, and community.
Organized by the Lucan District Lions Club, the event has grown steadily since it first began more than a decade ago.
“Our first race… we only had about 20 people,” said Bruce Lamb, president of the Lucan District Lions Club. “This year we’re close to 300.”
More than 260 participants registered in advance, with additional runners signing up on the day of the event. The program included a 5K walk, 5K and 10K races, and a 1K kids’ run, bringing together experienced runners alongside families and first-time participants.
Despite the structured format, organizers emphasized that the focus is not on competition. “It’s just about enjoying… the joy of running and getting people active,” Lamb said.
The 5K walk remained untimed, allowing participants to move at their own pace, while runners in the timed races received medals at the finish line. At the start of the 1K run, children gathered in small groups, many dressed in green, adding energy and a sense of celebration to the event.
After the races, much of the activity shifted indoors, where participants continued the afternoon with food and conversation. Lions Club volunteers served Irish stew, hot dogs, and refreshments, turning the event into more than just a race.
Most participants came from Lucan and nearby communities, though some runners travelled from surrounding areas, including London, to take part. The turnout reflected the event’s wide appeal, drawing both casual walkers and more competitive runners.
Volunteers played a key role throughout the day, managing registration, organizing the races, and preparing food as participants returned indoors. Their work kept the event running smoothly while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Along parts of the route, families stopped to watch and cheer, while others remained inside the hall, creating a steady flow between outdoor activity and indoor gathering throughout the afternoon.
After 17 years, the St. Patrick’s Day run has become a regular part of Lucan’s calendar, marking the shift into spring with a focus on activity and connection.
For Lamb, the reason behind its continued growth is simple. “It’s a fun event,” he said. “People come back every year–and it just keeps growing.”
