Eleven March Races Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Winter Runner photo via Shutterstock

Looking to run a 5K or charity race in March? Below, we found eight athletic events worth lacing your sneakers for.

1. Climb to the Top

Participants in this race will climb to the top of the John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New England. Funds raised from the event will go to fight multiple sclerosis.

3/7, race begins at 8 a.m., John Hancock Tower, 200 Clarendon Street; registration is $35. nationalmssociety.org

2. Liver Lover 5K

This is the fourth edition of the Liver Lover 5K, which works to support the American Liver Foundation’s “Run for Research” team. Participants will also receive a complimentary Liver Lover 5K pint glass at the finish line.

3/8, race begins at 8:30 a.m., Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road, Newton; registration is $30. theliverlover5k.com

3. Running of the Leprechauns

The first of the 5K races on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Running of the Leprechauns takes the holiday’s spirit to heart. With bagpipers along the route and an award for the best costume, you’ll have a lot to talk about at the St. Patrick’s Day party after the race.

3/14, race begins at 10:30 a.m., 19 Washington Street, Medford; registration is $32. racemenu.com

4. Craicfest 5K

Benefitting the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation, the Craicfest 5K raises money to support veterans and active members of the military through grants, scholarships, and other services. There’s also a post-race dance-off competition.

3/15, race begins at 9:30 a.m., Inman Square, 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge; registration is $40.03. cambridge5k.com/craicfest

5. Leprechaun 5K Shuffle and Fun Run

Proceeds from the Leprechaun 5K Shuffle benefit the Nashoba Learning Group, which provides help to both adults and children with autism.

3/15; $27.75 per person, 10:30 a.m., Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge Street, Burlington. racemenu.com

6. Ras Na hEireann 5K

Named after the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country Race in Ireland, this race takes its running tradition very seriously and is even donating its proceeds to the local track teams at Somerville, Medford, and Wakefield High Schools.

March 15 11 a.m., $36 entry fee, Davis Square, Somerville baevents.com

7. St. Patrick’s Day 5K

Located in the heart of Southie, this 5K takes place immediately before the big parade begins. The race’s official shirt was designed by the Dropkick Murphy’s, and proceeds support the South Boston Club’s Keystone Teen Leadership Program.

3/15, 11 a.m., $25 per person, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, 230 West 6th Street, South Boston bgcb.org

8. An Ras Mor 5K

This is the 18th An Ras Mor 5K, benefitting the JLK Sanfilippo Research Foundation, which works to fight Sanfilippo Syndrome, a degenerative disorder that stunts development in children.

3/22, 9:30 a.m.; Asgard Irish Pub & Restaurant, 350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; srr.org

9. JB Blastoff for Brain Tumors

The JB Blastoff 5K was founded and organized by Anne Margaret Basile to honor her father after he passed away due to a brain tumor. Proceeds support the American Brain Tumor Association to fight brain cancer.

3/29 10:30 a.m., $25 to register, John Brewer’s Tavern, 39 Main Street, Waltham; racewire.com

10. Freedom Trail Run 5K

This 5K takes place every weekend and follows the Freedom Trail to give runners a glimpse of Boston’s historical sights.

$40 per person, every weekend, times vary, Park Street & Tremont Street; freedomtrailrun.com

11. Boston St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Race

Want to run a 5K, but can’t make it to any of the locations? Well, this virtual race means that you can register, pick a distance, and run it anywhere. Runners will get a medal for completing the race. Proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

registration is $30. active.com