Green Day isn't just the name of a rock band. It's an excuse for runners to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style.

In Philadelphia and St. Louis, Hash House Harriers are promoting Green Dress runs and asking all participants to wear a green dress and join in ceremonial drinking of green beer. St. Patrick's race celebrations in Michigan have been around for years, and new ones are being organized. Here are a few coming up.

�       St. Patrick's Day Clare 5K road race, 9 a.m. Saturday. This race was rejuvenated several years ago by tying itself to a St. Patty's Day celebration in County Clare, Ireland, and is part of a weekend-long party. All the runners get a long-sleeve T-shirt to keep them warm during the fun and run. They also get a pancake breakfast cooked by Boy Scouts. Call 989-386-2389 or e-mail [email protected].

�       Shamrocks and Shenanigans 5K, 2 p.m. Sunday, Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor Track Club has taken over the organization of this event, and all the profits go to Save a Heart Foundation, which is linked to Mott Children's Hospital. The race has been changed to a two-looped course starting at Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, the race sponsor.

All children will get a medal or trophy from the kids dash. Highlights of the event include an Irish festival. Costumes have become a centerpiece of the race. Participants dress up as their favorite Irish beer containers or leprechauns. Bands, dancers and bagpipers will perform. Food, drink and kids' activities are available all day. Contact Kathleen Gina, 734-369-2492, or e-mail shamrock @aatrackclub.org.

�       St. Patrick's Corktown four-mile race, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Tiger Stadium. Only the first 100 men and women are timed, so it's more of a fun run and an opportunity to exercise before watching the St. Patrick's Day parade. Contact the Motor City Striders at 248-544-9099 or e-mail run@motorcitystriders .com.

�       Shillelagh four-mile run and walk, noon March 20, Flushing High School near Flint. Join more than 1,000 runners and walkers for some great Irish fun in downtown Flushing. The Riverbend Striders run the show with the help of Gault Race Management. They take pride in handing out one of the best runners shirts. This year's version will be an embroidered navy and green, tartan-plaid wind-shirt. Contact Bauman's Running and Fitness Shop at 810-238-5981 or e-mail [email protected].