A four-mile race centered around Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse is returning this March, reviving a longtime tradition.
The Four Courts Four Miler will begin and end on March 14 at the restaurant and bar located on a hill at 2051 Wilson Blvd. Runners will first descend the hill, then turn around and run back up to be “rewarded with a tasty beverage,” says a description for the event run by DC Road Runners Club.
We are thrilled to be working with @irelands4courts to bring the Four Courts Four Miler back to @ArlingtonVA. Good times ahead! https://t.co/1808eZtyy2
— DC Road Runners Club (@dcroadrunners) January 18, 2026
Ten minutes into the race, organizers plan to unleash an athletic “leprechaun” who will try to catch runners. Those who escape may be rewarded with a small prize.
Four Courts hosted this race for 10 years between 2010 and 2020, typically bringing a turnout of about 1,000 people, managing partner Dave Cahill told ARLnow.
“It’s a real community event,” said Cahill, who hopes to participate in the competition (he has, at least in years past, been the aforementioned leprechaun). “It kind of kicks off St. Patrick’s Day festivities for us.”
The pub is planning further festivities in March, including a celebration of its 30-year anniversary on March 11. This will feature a raffle with “large giveaways” including a trip to Ireland, along with Irish music and dancers, Cahill said.
Tickets to the race are $45 through March 9. The four miler will begin at 9 a.m. sharp.
Photo via Ireland’s Four Courts/Facebook
