El Cajon’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations find a pot of gold to help local charities

Lots of green filled Maine Street on El Cajon, with extravagant costumes and many a Irish quip on T-shirts as people got ready for a full-day of celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in El Cajon style.

And the not so illusive pot of gold was in the contribution of the day’s events going to local charities.

Lots of green filled Maine Street on El Cajon, with extravagant costumes and many a Irish quip on T-shirts as people got ready for a full-day of celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in El Cajon style.

And the not so illusive pot of gold was in the contribution of the day’s events going to local charities.

RunEC created world class running events that raises funds to support organizations that help those in need in the East County. In the process RunEC enhanced East County’s brand image bringing more people to El Cajon’s revitalized downtown area. And despite the record breaking hot March weather, more than 6,000 people battled the heat to participate in El Cajon’s St. Patrick’s Day half marathon Main Street 5k, Green Mile & BeerFest on March 16.

RunEC hosted the half marathon and 5k, while St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center sponsored the Green Mile, a run for kids and adults with special needs. El Cajon is creating a St. Patrick’s Day event for now and the future with the runs, Tribes and Clans CrossFit competitions, music, costume prizes and a beer and wine testing garden that featured many of East County’s best brewers and wine makers.

Mayor of El Cajon Bill Wells was asked to start the event with an invocation and said he was delighted at the turnout that brought people together from all over San Diego County for such a great cause.

“This is our second year at holding this event, its popularity has grown quickly and you can expect this to be an annual event for El Cajon,” he said.

Near the wine and BeerFest, live entertainment was in full swing with traditional Irish music and dancing. Food trucks and local restaurants offered clan friendly activities and a kinfolk atmosphere.

Sponsors of the St. Patrick’s event were the city of El Cajon, Imortgage, Sycuan, URBN Coal Fired Pizza and Brewery and Barona. St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, Partnership with Industry and Noah Homes were primary beneficiaries of funds raised.