CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — If you’ve been looking for a reason to shake off the last of the winter frost and test those legs before the spring season truly kicks into gear, mark your calendars for Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Leprechaun Chase 5k is returning to Yoctangee Park, and if early registration numbers are any indication, we’re looking at a sea of green flooding the park trails this year.
There are many run/walk events throughout the year, but the Leprechaun Chase occupies a special sweet spot in the Chillicothe running calendar. It sits right in that perfect window where we are all desperate for outdoor activity, serving as the unofficial kickoff to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
The Course and The Vibe
The race kicks off at 9:00 AM sharp. For those uninitiated with Yoctangee Park courses, you’re in for a treat (and likely a Personal Best). The course is notoriously flat and fast, winding through the park’s scenic loops. It’s friendly enough for the “Couch-to-5k” graduate but fast enough for the local high school track star looking to gauge their off-season fitness.
Swag and Charity
One critique I often have of local races is the generic swag. The Leprechaun Chase, however, is stepping it up for 2026. Registration includes a Leprechaun-themed shirt and, crucially for an Ohio March morning, a cotton blend knit hat. You also get a themed bib, which is a nice touch for the scrapbook.
More importantly, the miles mean something. The event benefits the Hope Clinic of Ross County, a vital organization providing free medical and dental care to our uninsured neighbors. It’s hard to find a better reason to run than that.
The Verdict
If you are on the fence, sign up sooner rather than later. The early bird pricing (around $25) is a steal, but prices bump up after the first 75 registrants, and registration closes firmly on March 4th.
Whether you’re chasing a PR or just chasing the leprechauns, this is one of the most accessible and spirited community events of the season. I’ll see you at the starting line—I’ll be the one in the green knit hat trying to catch my breath.
Race Day Snapshot
- Event: Leprechaun Chase 5k
- When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Where: Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, OH (1 Enderlin Circle)
- Beneficiary: Hope Clinic of Ross Count
To register or learn more visit us here
