Rush of the Irish

When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Westport, most put feast before fitness. However, one long-standing Westport tradition calls on the nobler and less Guinness-induced charitable spirit of local athletes to get the holiday running. Meld with a blur of green this morning at the 30th-annual Westport St. Patrick's Day Run (Westport Road and Pennsylvania).The four-mile run starts at 10 a.m. and takes traditional and wacky racers alike around Westport in celebration of Ireland's famous patron saint. Racers can register from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the 41 Penn condo building (4141 Pennsylvania). Registration costs $26 for adults and $10 for children who participate in the Kids' Fun Run after the race. Advance registration guarantees a commemorative T-shirt. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers from different age groups, the top wheelchair athlete, the fastest overall teams, the most creative costume and more. In partnership with the Bacchus Foundation, the event raises money for Arts Incubator, an organization helping local artists establish themselves in the Crossroads District. For more information or to register, see sportkc.org or call 816-474-4652.— Caleb Goellner
Sat., March 15, 7:30 a.m., 2008