HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Thousands of athletes are expected to cross the start line Saturday for the 49th annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, one of the city’s biggest events of the year.

Jim Wildman, president of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee, said organizers are expecting close to 6,000 runners, if not more, along with 500 to 700 walkers for the day. “So the weather’s trending up, which is great news for the weekend,” he added.

The 10k winds through the streets of Holyoke, starting on Maple Street. The start line is located at the corner of Maple and Lyman streets. Runners will cross the finish line on Beech Street.

A block party downtown follows the race with live music and entertainment, building excitement ahead of Sunday’s parade. “So the road race is essentially, you know, we have the race and then we just have one big party,” Wildman explained.

He said many people will come down to watch the race and stay for the entertainment. “So it makes for a great day and just builds the excitement for Sunday,” he noted.

Runners can pick up their bibs on Friday at race headquarters, just before the starting line on Maple Street, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on race day. The race kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the two mile walk.

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