BUFFALO, N.Y. — February just started, but some are already looking ahead to March, when we are used to seeing a sea of green run through South Buffalo for the yearly Shamrock run.

This beloved tradition is still happening both in-person and virtually, and registration is now open.

Usually, thousands of people meet on the morning of the run, but this year, people can head to the event website and get signed up to compete virtually.

There will be a much smaller in-person race, but the waitlist for that is already full. Executive Director Patrick Gormely says he and his staff discuss every day what that will look like. It will all depend on state restrictions so they aren't sure how many people will be running in person just yet. The next best thing is the virtual run. 

From March 1-15, you can complete the run and upload your score. Regardless of how you compete, this is always the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Old First Ward Community Center, making up a large portion of their operating budget, which funds their many programs, such as their food pantry, van services and more.

"That means it is helping to fund our youth program that we have Monday through Friday that we run 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It helps fund our senior programs like bingo and lunch services and van services. It helps our food pantry where we give out several hundred pounds of food each week," said Gormley.

And even if you can't run, Gormley says you can still help.

"You can go to the Shamrock run website and donate that way, or even through volunteerism," he said. “Not everyone has money to spend right now, but coming in and offering to help and maintain our garden one day a week or coming in and helping maintain the grounds here at the center. All that helps. Having volunteers in our food pantry is paramount and one of the reasons we have been able to continue those services throughout the pandemic."

Head to BuffaloShamrockRun.com to get signed up. You can have your bib and sweatshirt mailed to you.