OCEAN CITY -- Before they head to the parade or begin celebrations of a different kind, hundreds of runners from all over the local area and beyond will compete in the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K next weekend.

Sponsored by OC Tri-Running Sports, which produces several events and races in the resort area, the St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K is set for Saturday, March 17.

The course starts at Shenanigan’s and heads south on the Boardwalk toward the Inlet where it will loop around the pier and head north. From there, runners will continue north on the Boardwalk to a turnaround spot at 15th Street before heading south again the Shenanigan’s.

The race starts promptly at 9 a.m. and an awards ceremony and post-race celebration will start shortly thereafter. Because of the popularity of the event, the number of competitors has been capped at 1,000 this year and pre-registration is already nearing that figure, according to race organizers.