Executive Director Bobby Clue . “ For us , where we have the largest traditional 5K in the Lake Cumberland area , we wanted to make sure that whatever we did was only going to advance and benefit the race .”
This year ’ s Shamrock Shuffle 5K runwalk will take place Saturday , March 11 starting at 10 a . m ., starting at the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce office on East Mt . Vernon Street .
“ We ’ re getting a ton of really positive feedback , a lot of buzz ,” said Bobby Clue , Executive Director of the Somerset- Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce , which organizes the race each year . “ People are excited about the race moving to downtown . We ’ ve got more sponsors this year than we ’ ve ever had in the history of the race .”
The Shamrock Shuffle invites participants of all ages and skill levels to join in — to push themselves to their limits with speed or walk the course at their own individual pace .
Best of all , green is the theme — participants tend to dress up in fun St . Patrick ’ s Day-related costumes , from headwear to tutus to the occasional fullon emerald suit .
“ It will be a real festival-like atmosphere ,” said Clue . “ That ’ s the one thing we really pride ourselves on , that not only is this a professionally chipped timed race , but we have a lot of fun with this race .
“ There ’ s the costume contest , that Buffalo Wings & Rings always sponsors , and that brings out a completely different atmosphere , where everybody dresses up in St . Patrick ’ s Day-themed garb ,” he added . “ The Mole Hole is going to be hosting a huge afterparty , with food and drink specials themed around St . Patrick ’ s Day . We ’ re going to have Jarfly ( Brewing Co .) and Tap on Main setting up a beer garden actually over at Thee Parsonage in the courtyard , so people can have a postrace drink if they ’ d like to . Just a lot of fun bells and whistles around this race .”
Getting area businesses involved is something the Chamber likes to do with the race ; “ If they can make some money that day , that ’ s tremendous ,” said Clue . “ We want those businesses to have good days .”
Clue praised the Somerset Police Department and Chief William Hunt for putting together a “ fantastic ” race route .
March 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 23