PORTSMOUTH — The Scioto County Community Action will hold the fourth annual Shamrock Shuffle beginning at The Welcome Center, 342 Second Street in downtown Portsmouth March 12, with registration at 7 a.m. and the race beginning at 8 a.m.

Luanne Valentine, of Scioto County CAO, said the organization sets a goal each year to raise $10,000 from proceeds from the Shamrock Shuffle 5k. The funds are then applied towards the CAO Head Start Back Pack Program.

“This is sponsored by Scioto County Community Action, and is the fourth event of its kind,” Valentine said. “The starting point and registration would be at the Welcome Center. We do have a goal, and that is to raise $10,000, and that is through registrations and sponsorships.”

CAO’s efforts have not been in vain. Each year they have garnered the support needed to their goal, according to Valentine.

“We have raised $10,000 every year, and have been pretty successful in meeting those goals. Over the last year, what we have done with the money we raised is send weekend meals home with our Head Start children,” she said. They are given a free lunch and breakfast while they are attending school, but on the weekends they may or may not have food available to eat, so we make sure they have a nutritious meal at home for the weekend as well.”

The course consists of 3.1 mile of flat terrain, going through the downtown and the historic Boneyfiddle District of Portsmouth. The course and turns will be marked and volunteers will be at various places along the way to assist.

Entry fees paid by Feb. 29, 2016, are $25 each individual, and $20 each for teams registering in groups of five or more (members must register at the same time). Entry fees paid on or after March 1, 2016, are $30 each individual/team member

Age groups for the Shamrock Shuffle include the following: 14 and younger; 15—19; 20—29; 30-39; 40—49; 50—59; and 60 and older.

Awards: Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in each age division of the 5K. Awards will be given to the male and female with the overall fastest time in the 5K.

Those who desire to participate in the Shamrock Shuffle may register on tristateracer.com