Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2011 -- MS Events (http://www.mseventsnc.org), the nonprofit organization coordinating Triangle-area bike and foot endurance races, announces today that the third annual St. Patty’s Run Green 8K (http://www.stpattysrungreen.com) will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2011. Held at downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the nOg Run Club.

“I am amazed and thankful for the community’s continued support in helping the race grow so quickly,” says Bruce Bokish, MS Events director. “We continue to add festivities that will make the participant experience more enjoyable.”

More than 1,800 participants are expected for the event, an increase of more than 40 percent from 2010. The race moves from Sunday to Saturday and will include a post-race block party hosted by Tir na nOg Irish Pub. The party will run until midnight and feature live music and a special menu.

The first 1,800 registered 8K runners will receive a St. Patty’s Run Green pint glass and one complimentary beer. In addition, one out of every 50 finishers gets a pair of Drymax running socks or a one pound bag of Larry's Beans coffee, and every 100th 8K finisher will receive a free pair of running shoes courtesy of Brooks and Fleet Feet Sports, Raleigh.

Other highlights of this event include:

• A scenic USATF-sanctioned 8K course (with 2 water stops)
• Disposable-chip timing and real-time results by Precision Race
• Race results sent via text message
• Touch-screen kiosks to check personal race results
• Convenient parking close to the race start/finish at Moore Square
• A green, sustainable event with minimal landfill waste

The St. Patty’s Run Green 8K is an earth-friendly St. Patty’s celebration. It was the first sustainable “Race Without a Trace” in Raleigh. Aimed at minimizing landfill waste, the race utilizes electronic race packets and compostable food and drink containers.

Race sponsors Fleet Feet Sports, Raleigh and Brooks Sports will provide competitive division prizes. Award categories include:

• Top three overall male and female
• Top three overall male and female Masters
• Top Kilt wearers
• Top three male and female in each age group

The fee to participate in the event is $28 thru February 23, then $33 until midnight (PT) on March 2. Race day fee is $40. For more race information or to register online, visit www.stpattysrungreen.com or call (919) 349-1719.

About MS Events
MS Events is a Triangle nonprofit dedicated to coordinating bike and foot races that raise funds and awareness for local causes. The organization began as a group of volunteers and continues today as such with nonprofit certification. Currently, MS Events raises funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Eastern North Carolina. 2010 events include: St. Patty's Run Green 8K, Cup 'n Cone Tour and the Ridgewood Turkey Trot. For more information, visit www.mseventsnc.org.

About Race Without a Trace
The Race Without a Trace initiative was developed by Endurance Magazine. The initiative serves as a basis for all events to empower and enable collective communities to embrace positive change in attitudes toward environmental sustainability. The magazine and its initiative are committed to improving the environment and reversing the negative impacts on climate change. Visit http://www.endurancemag.com/go-green.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
The National MS Society helps individuals address the challenges of living with MS through their 50-state network of local chapters.

The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org.