14Th Annual WPLR Shamrock and Roll 5K

14th Annual WPLR ShamRock and Roll 5K

to benefit the Diaper Bank

Release Date: March 1, 2011

Contact:John Bysiewicz (203) 710-2391

New Haven – On Sunday, March 6, 2011, 99.1 PLR’s 14th Annual ShamRock and Roll 5K Road Race will take over the streets of New Haven. A record crowd of over 2,500 runners are expected to participate in the event sponsored by Connex Credit Union. The race, begins and ends at Toad’s Place on York Street, kicks off at 9:00 a.m.The WPLR ShamRock and Roll 5K is one of the largest foot races held in Connecticut. Due to the size of the venue, the race is limited to 2,500 runners this year. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Toad’s Place.

Participants can run or walk the 5K (3.1 miles) seriously or follow an annual tradition with dozens of participants who will run or walk the event in individual or group costumes. The costume divisions are best group and individual in St. Patrick’s Day costumes and in diaper costumes. Traditional awards will be given to the fastest runners along with special prizes for the slowest finisher, shortest finisher, tallest finisher, weirdest finisher and best individual and group costumes. The event benefits The Diaper Bank. Runners, walkers and spectators will again enjoy rock bands playing at Toad's Place and on the 5K course.

Participate in the Yale-New Haven Hospital Diaper Challenge! This year Yale-New Haven Hospital will match (up to 15,000 diapers) the diapers donated by race participants. The Diaper Bank is a local organization dedicated to helping by those in need by giving diapers to families in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford. Complimentary entry for participants who raise $100 or more for the Diaper Bank.

"We are always excited about the WPLR ShamRock and Roll. Our St. Patrick's celebration combines fitness along with fun, music and helping local children” states WPLR's Sam Tilery, Director of Marketing and Promotions.

John Bysiewicz, coordinator of the New Haven Road Race and Fairfield Road Race, directs the event. Participants enjoy colorful long sleeve t-shirts and B-tag timing. For race information call (203) 481- 5933 or visit wplr.com. On-line registration is available at wplr.com. The event's major sponsor is 99.1WPLR and Connex Credit Union. The race's participating sponsors are ABC Printing, Dunkin Donuts, Huggies, Julia’s Bakery, Red Hook Brewery, Toad’s Place Woodbridge Running Company and Yale-New Haven Hospital.