And Hanson resident Mary Ellen Callahan is using the race as an opportunity to run in honor of her son, William, a 28-year-old U.S. Marine Corps engineer who was killed in Anbar Province while disarming an improvised explosive device in April 2007.

The ramble, now in its 25th year, is an eclectic blend of Irish cultural history, literary appreciation, human rights awareness and community pride.

"The race has come to be part of the rhythm of living in Dedham," said its founder, Martin Hanley.

The April 27 6.2-mile race is an unconventional union of theater and running during which actors read from the works of Irish writer James Joyce at the end of each mile. Entry is $25 if mailed in by April 22 and is $30 on race day.

Hanley has made an effort since 1989 to spread the word about human rights violations worldwide via the race.

This year's human rights dedication is to Kareem Nabil Suleiman, 23, who was sentenced to four years in prison for criticizing the Egyptian government on a blog, according to a ramble brochure.

"Freedom of expression makes this country what it is," said Hanley, noting that Joyce's "Ulysses" was banned in the U.S. Customs Court for obscenity.

The founders of the eccentric jaunt pride themselves on its inversion of the usual audience-participant dynamic. They say it's the only theatrical show in the world where the actors stay still and the audience moves, by running or walking. "The actors are dressed in period costume, reading in stage voice," said Hanley. "A couple years ago it was only six or seven actors. Now it's 35 actors."

For a touch of irony, the actors perform Joyce's short story, "The Dead" from his short story collection "The Dubliners" in the last mile.

The day ends with a party at the Endicott Estate on East Street. Food and drink, including beer from Harpoon Brewery, will be prepared for the 2,500 to 3,000 entrants to the race, their friends and family and other spectators.

Race-day registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 10:55 a.m., five minutes before the gong is sounded to start the race.

More information about the race is available at www.ramble.org.