The running of the green returns to Olde Town Conyers with the proudly proclaimed World's Fastest Growing St. Patrick's Day Parade and the 0.1 mile World's Shortest Endurance Run on Friday, March 16.

The two-block long parade, now in its 27th year, begins at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Center Street, in front of Evans Pharmacy, and ends at the Olde Town Pavillion where a King and Queen of the parade will be crowned.

The public is invited to join, and spectators often find themselves becoming part of the parade as they're swept up in the Irish festivities and good spirits.

Refreshments will be served in the Pavilion and area restaurants, bars, and businesses will be open with live music, entertainment, and specials well into the evening.

For more information on the parade, call 770-602-2606.

Following the parade, the Rockdale Rotary Club continues another grand Conyers tradition - the 0.1 Mile World's Shortest Endurance Run, now in its third year. The route stretches all the way from the Conyers Welcome Center/Olde Town Depot to the Renaissance Pointe bar on Railroad Street, with a watering station midway at the 0.05 mile marker.

Race co-chair Tim Baker said in a previous interview, "You always hear of a 1-mile ‘fun run.' There's no fun in running a mile. This is a true fun run."

There will be a shotgun start at 5 p.m. for children 12 years old and under, and another shotgun start at 5:02 p.m. for everyone else.

Commemorative T-shirts are available for $20 for sizes up to XL and $25 for larger sizes for everyone who registers by March 7. Registration is $30 after March 7, with no guarantee of a T-shirt. Proceeds will go towards Rotary-supported charities and events such as the annual Empty Stocking event.

For more information on the 0.1 Mile Endurance Run, go to www.rockdalerotary.org or contact Tim Baker at 678-614-7374 or timuga@gmail.com