With St. Patrick’s Day last weekend and the first day of spring on Monday, the racing season is about to take off! Celebrate by dressing in green and supporting the Chicago running scene with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k.
Whether you’re a runner, spectator or volunteer, there’s a lot to know on race day, and we have all of the information you need.*
*all information gathered from www.shamrockshuffle.com
Participant Information
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is one of Chicago’s best running celebrations, with a one-of-a-kind course! The Chicago tradition continues the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and kicks off the spring running season in Chicago. The run’s unique 8K (4.97 miles) course weaves its way through downtown Chicago, starting and finishing in Grant Park.
Not up for the run? Join the walk! Walkers will be treated to a scenic 2 mile course along Chicago’s lakefront, starting and finishing in the same location as the 8K run. The walk is a perfect introduction to the Shamrock Shuffle and is ideal for aspiring runners or those looking to take part in the celebration without tackling an 8K (4.97 miles).
2018 Schedule of events
Friday, March 23
McCormick Place, West Building, Skyline Ballroom
Packet pick-up
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 24
McCormick Place, West Building, Skyline Ballroom
Packet pick-up
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 25
Grant Park, Chicago
6:30 a.m. – Gear check opens
6:30 a.m. – Start Corrals open
8:30 a.m. – Wave 1 race start
9:00 a.m. – Post-Race Party begins
9:00 a.m. – Wave 2 race start
9:30 a.m. – Walk Wave race start
9:30 a.m. – Live music begins at the Post-Race Party
11:30 a.m. – Gear check closes
1:00 p.m. – Beer ticket sales end
1:30 p.m. – Post-Race Party ends
2:00 p.m. – Race after party at The Scout begins
*Times subject to change
Participant packet and bag pick-up
Packet pick-up will take place at the Friday and Saturday of race weekend in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place. Packet pick-up tickets will be emailed to all registered participants. If you cannot pick-up your packet in person, a friend, family member or co-worker can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your packet pick-up ticket.
Traveling to the Race
Public transportation is strongly recommended for race day transportation to Grant Park. Go to metrarail.com or transitchicago.com to plan your route by train or bus. If you drive, allow sufficient time for traffic congestion and street closures in the downtown area due to the race.
Millennium Garages offer the closest race day parking options to Grant Park at the Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages. The morning and afternoon of the event, the streets that comprise the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K course, as well as the start/finish area in Grant Park, will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Race Day
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K run will have two on-course aid stations. The first will be at mile 1.6, on State and Randolph Streets; the second aid station is at mile 3.6, on Harrison and Wells Streets. The 2 mile walk will have one on-course aid station offering water and toilet facilities. Each aid station will offer Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.
Awards will be presented to top males and females in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-90, 90 & over.
Post-Race Party
Celebrate your finish at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Post-Race Party immediately following the race. The Post-Race Party features live music. Participants will receive a drink ticket attached to their bib number that can be redeemed for one Michelob ULTRA*. Additional drink tickets are available for purchase at the point of registration and at Packet pick-up.
How to Watch
For spectators, take a look at the course map to plan our your route ahead of time.
For those who want to watch at home, NBCChicago.com will provide live, streaming coverage of the race start and finish from 8 – 11 a.m. where supporters can watch their favorite runner cross the line. Download the NBCChicago Mobile app to watch on your phone or watch on your computer.
