‘Frozen Shamrock’ Road Race Brings 900 Runners Downtown

Organizer David LaBrode. (WHAV photograph.)

Nine hundred runners turned out in downtown Haverhill Sunday for the three-mile Frozen Shamrock road race.

Thanks to this winter’s record snowfall, the race was postponed from Feb. 22. The forced rescheduling had organizers worried turnout would not be as strong.

“When we went into this with a postponement, we weren’t sure how it was going to turn out. You always lose a few people when you postpone it due to other commitments. I’d say, without knowing for sure, we probably got 900 finishers today, which is a pretty good turnout,” said organizer David LaBrode. He said the race complements Lawrence’s Claddagh Pub 4-Miler and Lowell’s Hynes Tavern 5-Miler.

“Dave Camire, the race director of this race, wanted to create a series of races—a three-miler, a four-miler and a five-miler—so eight years ago, Dave created this event,” LaBrode told WHAV. Some proceeds are donated to the Haverhill High School cross country track team and Haverhill Auxiliary Police, he said.

Issa Zefta of Maria’s Restaurant said he was pleased with the outcome.

“This is our first time doing the event and it was very successful. We can’t wish for better weather, happy people, the town is busy—everybody is all over the place—everybody benefits from it and that’s why we need more events like that,” he said,

The race began and ended at Maria’s Restaurant, Essex Street. Runners made their ways across the Comeau Bridge; up Laurel Avenue; down and across Blossom, South Pleasant and Middlesex Streets; over the Basiliere Bridge; and back downtown. Winners receive kilts and money.

For results, visit Cool Running.