Pictured: More than 680 people participated in Wellen Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run and inaugural half marathon on March 19. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.

More than 680 people participated in Wellen Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run and inaugural half marathon on March 19. The 13.1-mile course was certified by USA Track & Field. Both races started and ended at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen. At the finish line, an awards ceremony recognized 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 also enjoyed live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, green beer, mimosas and food. A portion of the race proceeds benefited 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. Downtown Wellen tenants Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Vein Center, and Capstan Financial Consulting Group were sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon and 5K run. Mattamy Homes, AMC Contracting, Inc., Lennar, Willis Smith Construction, Tropia at Wellen Park, The DeMoya Group, Stillwell at Wellen Park, Solea Wellen Park and Streetsense were also sponsors for the event. To learn more about upcoming events, Downtown Wellen and 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: More than 680 people participated in Wellen Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run and inaugural half marathon on March 19. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.