On Saturday, March 10, St. Luke’s hosted the 7^thannual HOPE Sham Rock’n 5k. This year, they had the best turn out ever with a total of 500 runners, including freshman Carter Jenson.

“Coach Getty actually recommended [it] to me,” Jenson said. “This was the first time that I ever ran in this 5k and I really liked the course. I will probably run in it again next year.”

Along with the runners, many volunteers acted as course directors or cheerleaders for the runners from clubs like the National Honor Society.

“Volunteering at 5k’s are always fun because you just get to cheer people on from elementary ages to retirement ages,” NHS senior Jared Sparell said. “All in all, it was a good experience because the people were fun and they would cheer and talk back to us too.”

There were multiple vendors, breakfast food, and traditional Irish entertainment such as dancers and people playing the bagpipes all awaiting the runners at the finish line.

All runners received a race shirt, finishing medals and a race participant bag. Prizes were awarded for best costume-whoever came out in the most St. Patrick’s Day gear – and for the largest team.

The proceeds from the race go toward HOPE Helps, which provides a food pantry and a resource center for local families in crisis.

“Every year it gets bigger and better,” HOPE event manager Jackie Nitti said. “It is always a fun event that goes towards a great cause.”