Downtown Mocksville’s St. Patrick’s weekend tradition brings runners, families, and community supporters together
The 35th Annual Shamrock Run 5K in downtown Mocksville brought sunshine, laughter, and plenty of community spirit to the streets on Saturday morning as runners and walkers gathered for one of Davie County’s most beloved spring traditions.
Held on March 14, the Mocksville Shamrock Run 5K kicked off at 8:15 a.m. outside O’Callahan’s Publick House, where 100 participants lined up under bright blue skies for a beautiful morning run. Runners and walkers of all ages — from 9 to 73 years old, along with one enthusiastic canine participant — took part in the festive St. Patrick’s weekend event.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mocksville, the annual race continues to bring the community together while raising funds for local nonprofits.
A Scenic Run Through the Heart of Mocksville
The Shamrock Run 5K course through downtown Mocksville began and ended at O’Callahan’s Publick House (115 N. Main Street) and guided participants through familiar parts of town.
The route took runners past local landmarks including Rich Park, Mocksville Elementary School, and the Davie Family YMCA, before circling back to the finish line where friends, family members, and spectators gathered to cheer on participants.
Whether racing for a personal best or enjoying a relaxed walk with friends, participants embraced the festive atmosphere that has made the Shamrock Run a local favorite for decades.
Congratulations to This Year’s Winners
This year’s race featured strong performances from runners across the area.
Overall Men’s Winners
1st – Lukas Bancevicius
2nd – Jacob Scarlett
3rd – Ames Humphrey
Overall Women’s Winners
1st – Grace Bryson
2nd – Kristy-Ann Joyce
3rd – Courtney Smitherman
Awards were also presented across several age divisions, including Under 18, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–64, and Over 65, making the Mocksville Shamrock Run 5K a welcoming event for runners and walkers of all abilities.
Check out the full list of runners and times HERE.
Running for a Cause
A Davie County Tradition Since 1988
While the Shamrock Run is known for its festive green shirts and St. Patrick’s weekend energy, the race also serves a meaningful purpose. Partial proceeds from this year’s event will support Family Promise of Davie County and IMPACT of the Piedmont, two organizations that provide important services to individuals and families in our community.
The Shamrock Run 5K in Mocksville first began in 1988, originally hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as a fundraiser. Over the years, the event has helped support numerous local organizations, including A Storehouse for Jesus, Special Olympics, Family Promise of Davie County, Habitat for Humanity, The Dragonfly House, Davie Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center, Davie County Pregnancy Care Center, Hospice & Palliative Care of Davie County, the Davie Family YMCA, and Cognition Davie.
Although the race paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, the tradition returned stronger than ever. In 2024, the Rotary Club of Mocksville stepped in to host the event, ensuring the longtime community favorite continues for years to come.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Rotary Club of Mocksville President Emily Quance expressed appreciation for the many sponsors and volunteers who help make the race possible each year.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our Shamrock Run. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit made this event a success. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and runners who helped us continue Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self. Together, you made a real difference in our community.”
Sponsors included O’Callahan’s Publick House, Mebane Foundation, Marzano Capital Group, Main St. Brokers, Davie RV, Keller Williams, Osborne Tire, Crenshaw Painting Group, Lambert Funeral Home, Davie County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Skyline National Bank, Law Office of Sarah Young, Black Sheep Yoga, Davie Family YMCA, PTM Law Firm, Daniel Furniture, Fleming and Williams Law, Countryside Insurance, Edward Jones – Ken Jones, Edward Jones – Slayton Harpe, Word Master Media Group, Don Bowles CPA, Kelly Funderburk – Register of Deeds, Solid Ground Counseling, Scoops on Main, Donna Hennessey, and Dee Stokes.
With another successful year in the books, the Shamrock Run 5K continues to be a favorite running event in Mocksville and Davie County, bringing neighbors, families, and runners together each spring to celebrate community, health, and giving back.
Photos by Dave Rosser