The Crim Fitness Foundation and the founding event organizers, the Sullivan & O'Sullivan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, are partnering again to bring the 46th Annual Pot O’ Gold Races back to downtown Flint. This St. Patrick’s Day tradition features festivities for the entire community including a 4-mile run and walk, a Little Leprechauns kids’ race, and - for those who want to have fun without going too far - a .317K Beer Dash.
The event also features a full St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the start/finish line, located on First Street in downtown Flint. Participants will enjoy pizza, snacks, soft drinks, vendors, food trucks, and a full beer menu (for those 21+), as well as a warming tent complete with live music. Local band, The Outfit, will be on-stage compliments of FIM. For attendees who are not participating in the event, food and beverage items will be available for purchase.
Additionally, all 4-mile participants will receive a custom-design, four-inch finisher medal, a long-sleeved race shirt, and lots of giveaways, while Beer Dashers will receive a one-of-a-kind beer glass and special shirt. The beautiful, traffic-free course takes runners and walkers through historic neighborhoods and through the campuses of UM-Flint and Mott Community College before returning downtown.
This year’s race will have a special start-line guest, too: The 2026 Flint St. Patrick's Day Grand Marshal, Bill Harris, whose family crest will adorn the race shirt. Mr. Harris noted, “The first race I ever did was the Pot O’ Gold Race in the early 80s. From there, I went on to run more than 20 Crim 10-mile races. Being the Grand Marshal and seeing the continued growth of Pot O’ Gold means a lot to me, my family, and the AOH.”
Brandon Morgan, Crim’s Director of External Relations, said, “We were so excited to be approached by the event organizers in 2025 and to help grow this historic event. In 2025, the event sold out and we anticipate it being even bigger in 2026. For us, it’s a fun way to start our Race Series season and a great way to offer something that builds and celebrates community. Crim prides itself on offering something fun and affordable for every type of participant.”
Registration for the event can be found online at crimraces.org. The event is supported and sponsored by J.P. O’Sullivan Distributing, Universal Coating, Community Podiatry, FIM, Complete Runner, Donlan’s Fish and Seafoods, Staley’s Plumbing and Heating, Smith and Smith Carpet, the White Horse Tavern, Dowdall Home Inspections, and many others.
Pictured: L to R, Bill Harris, 2026 Hibernian Grand Marshal; Brandon Morgan, Crim Dir. of External Relations; Mike Donlan
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The Crim Fitness Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, whose goal is to improve the physical, mental, and social health of Flint and Genesee County residents. The organization impacts approximately 20,000 individuals each year through programs including: Crim Youth Sports and Youth Running Clubs; the Mindful Flint Initiative; and Crim’s Neighborhood Impact work which includes direct nutrition education, food policy and access, and advocacy for built environmental change.
Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Sullivan & O'Sullivan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is the primary Irish Catholic fraternal organization in Flint and Genesee County, dedicated to promoting Irish heritage, faith, and community service. Founded in 1836, the group organizes local events, including the St. Patrick's Day celebration and the annual Miss Hibernia pageant.
