There may still be a lot of the "white stuff" on the ground, but things will certainly be green this St. Patrick's Day.

Northern Light AR Gould Hospital and Northern Maine Community College are teaming up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun, healthy way.  The two are hosting a Sneakers & Shamrocks 4K on Sunday, March 17.

Registration is just $4 and will begin at noon on March 17 in the lobby area of the Smith Wellness Center at NMCC.  The 4K run/walk begins at 1:00 pm, starting and ending on campus.  The course travels around the Presque Isle Industrial Park.

Community Health Specialist Jamie Guerrette says they were looking to do something fun and simple for the occasion. “When we started working on this idea, it was a natural fit to partner with the college.  The area near the college is ideal for the event route, students bring a lot of volunteer support, and the college has shown a commitment to community wellness that indicated that they would be a great partner.”

Eric Pelkey, an NMCC humanities instructor and advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, was quick to step up and lead efforts on behalf of the college. “This event offers students the opportunity to volunteer in our community and to promote a healthy lifestyle."

Small four leaf clover good luck “coins”, shamrock window-clings, stickers and St. Patrick Day pins will be available for all who take part, and those who cross the finish line will earn a pair of green shoe laces. A free one-day pass for the NMCC Smith Wellness Center will also be given to all participants.

Although money will not be collected until official registration on March 17, participants are encouraged to pre-register online at northernlighthealth.org/ARG so organizers will know how many people to expect.

For more information, contact Jamie Guerrette at 207-768-4008 or jguerrette@northernlight.org.

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