Paddy’s Road Race to hit the ground running this weekend

A Newton tradition returns for the 23rd annual Paddy’s Road Race, in partnership with various local businesses and organizations on Sunday, October 20 in West Newton Square.

Several different races will be held for participants of all skill levels, and there will be festivities including Blocktoberfest and a beer garden. All funds raised will go to support Newton Athletes Unlimited, a nonprofit that works to provide funding for year-round recreational services for both children and adults with disabilities.

Paddy’s Road Race was founded with the help of Mark Kelly, director of special needs for the city of Newton. He spoke about how the race has changed throughout its existence.

Originally The Troubadour Trot, the race is now sponsored by Paddy’s Public House and the O’Hara family.

“In the years since the O’Hara family began hosting the race, they’ve raised over one million dollars for Newton Athletes Unlimited,” Kelly said.

Several races will be held throughout the day.

  • Youth races for ages 1-12 will be held in West Newton Common at 9 a.m.
  • The 1K all-abilities race will commence at 10:15 a.m.
  • The three-mile road race will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Kids’ activities will include face-painting, temporary tattoos and other fun activities.

Blocktoberfest will include various food vendors offering apple cider donuts, chicken pot pie, and more. There will also be a beer garden for attendees 21+. Mick Carr will be providing live music.

A raffle and silent auction will also be held in conjunction with various local businesses participating. Raffle prizes include 100 pints at Paddy’s Public House, dinner for two at O’Hara’s once a month for a year, among others. A full list of the 50+ items being auctioned is available at the Paddy’s Road Race website.

Online Registration is available at the Paddy’s Road Race through Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Participants can also register during the weekend of the race from 2 to 10 p.m. at Paddy’s Public House or on Elm Street in the morning, just prior to the race.

Kelly stresses the important role Newton locals have had in keeping the race going after all this time.

“The race has kept growing year after year. We’re so grateful for the Newton community, our sponsors, and all the runners who keep coming out year after year,” Kelly said.