Pictured: The St. Patrick’s Day 5K, now in its second year, kicked off Wellen Park’s new race series in 2022 and was a great success. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.

Wellen Park is introducing its inaugural half marathon to the annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run Sunday, March 19. The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field. Both races start and finish at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with an awards ceremony recognizing the top three male and female finishers in each age group, best male and female overall winners, male and female grand masters, male and female masters, male and female senior grand masters and male and female veterans’ grand masters. Runners and attendees will also enjoy live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, green beer, mimosas and food. The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older and starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run at 7:45 a.m., is open to all ages of runners and walkers, with strollers and leashed dogs permitted. The half marathon and the 5K have also been cleared for disabled runners. Entry fees are $80 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K. Entrants receive a dri-fit performance race shirt (register by March 12 to guarantee size) and a finisher medal. Registration and event details, such as race packet pick-up, are available at wellenpark.com/events/st-patricks-day-half-marathon-5k. A portion of race proceeds benefit Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, the local chapter of a national nonprofit youth development program combining an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and a healthy lifestyle for pre-teen girls. Mattamy Homes and new Downtown Wellen tenants Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Vein Center are the Platinum Sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon and 5K run. AMC Contracting, Inc., Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Lennar, Willis Smith Construction and Tropia at Wellen Park are Gold Sponsors. The DeMoya Group, Stillwell at Wellen Park and Streetsense are Silver Sponsors for the event. Additional sponsorships are still available by contacting Wellen Park Events Coordinator Elizabeth Barroso at events@wellenpark.com. To learn about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla., open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pictured: The St. Patrick’s Day 5K, now in its second year, kicked off Wellen Park’s new race series in 2022 and was a great success. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.