FAQ
- What do I get for my entry fee?
A high quality technical running shirt with a full color design and a goody bag. Marathoners and Half-Marathoners will receive a commemorative medal, parchment certificate and a technical running shirt. Everyone shares in the free refreshments including lots of fresh fruit and food. Also available; lots of main stage giveaways, free sports massage following the race and race results available on line on Sunday March 16. Plus...free entry into a huge Sports and Fitness Expo and significant discounts on Virginia Beach resort lodging.
- Is this race a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, the 2009 Shamrock Marathon is a qualifier for the 2010 Boston Marathon. (The cutoff date for 2009 qualifying times is March 1, 2009).
- What races have corrals?
The only races that have corrals are the half marathon and the Final Mile. The half marathon corrals are based on time. This is the corral assignments for the 2008 Shamrock Half Marathon - Corral 1 - 1:50 and below, Corral 2 - 1:50 - 2 hours, Corral 3 - 2 hours - 2:15, Corral 4 - 2:15 - 2:35, Corral 5 2:35 and up.
- Can I switch corrals? You can move to a slower corral without making a change, if you want to make a change to a faster corral, you must go to the information booth at the Sports and Fitness Expo
- How can I sign up for the events?
Register online at Active.com.
- What is the Whale and Dolphin Challenge?
The Whale and Dolphin Challenge is for those runners who run the 8k on Saturday as a preliminary event to their Sunday half marathon or marathon run. Runners participating in the Dolphin or Whale Challenge by running on both days will receive a reduced combined entry fee. Runners that complete both events will be mailed a commemorative whale or dolphin pin to recognize their accomplishment.
- Does the Marathon have pace groups?
Yes, complete information is available on the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Pacers Page
- Am I registered?
Click here to search for your registration
- Will I receive a confirmation card? Confirmation cards will be mailed to all participants who registered prior to 2/16/09 on March 1, 2009. Please bring this card with you to pick up your race packet. We must have this card signed by you before handing you your race packet.
- How will I receive my race packet?
Race packets will not be mailed. All packets can be picked up at the Shamrock Sports and Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Friday, March 20th between 1 pm and 9 pm or on Saturday, March 21st between 10 am and 6 pm. Please note that you must have your packet to race. If you are racing on Saturday, you must pick up your packet on Friday. No Exceptions!
- Can I pick my race packet up on race day?
No, you must pick up your race packet on the day before your event at the Virginia Beach Convention Center during the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Expo. No Exceptions!
- Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes, as long as they have a copy of your photo ID as well as a letter from you signed with this permission. They must also have your confirmation card which is required to be signed by you.
- Where is the Virginia Beach Convention Center?
In Virginia Beach at 1000 19th Street, take I-264 to exit #22, Birdneck Road and follow the signs. For complete directions use this Map
- Where can we park for the races?
We encourage you to get there early! Parking is available in the city lots of 19th and 25th Streets and Pacific Avenue. There is also plenty of street parking in the area. The drop off is at Laskin Road between Pacific and Arctic. Like any big event you will not be able to park right at the start, so if you are staying in a local hotel, we encourage you to walk to the start. 2009 parking map
- Can I register on race day?
No, the last chance to register is the day before your event during the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Expo.
- Can I transfer from one race to another, ex. 8K to half-marathon? Yes, you can do this by submitting the change in entry fee. After February 1st there will be a transfer fee of $25.00 in addition to the change in entry fee. You can not change to a race which has reached it's participant limit.
- Can I run with my child during the Operation Smile Final Mile
NO. We have over 2,000 children participating and in order for it to run smoothly we cannot have more adults on the course then the volunteers and course marshalls. Parents will NOT be allowed to run with their children on race day.
- Do you take Credit Cards for Registration at the Convention Center on Friday and Saturday?
No, we only accept cash and checks for registration at the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest Expo.
- What are the event start times?
Saturday, March 21, 2009.
- 8k: 8:00 am
- Children's Marathon: 10 am
- Operation Smile Final Mile Run: 10:30 am
Sunday, March 22, 2008.
- Half Marathon: 7:00 am
- Marathon: 8:00 am
- What are the time limits for the races? Are they walker friendly?
Yes, we welcome walkers for all of the races. The time limits for each race are as follows; Marathon 7 hours, Half-Marathon 4 hours, 8K 2 hours.
- Are there any maps of the race venue?
Yes, all maps are on the Race Info Page
- What will the weather be like when I run the Marathon?
Virginia Beach is known for its moderate climate. In March, you can expect an average high of 58 degrees and an average low of 40 degrees.
- What sports drinks and gels are available on the course?
Gatorade Endurance Formula lemon-lime flavor will be available at each aid station for the marathon and half marathon. Carb-Boom energy gel Apple Cinnamon and Strawberry Kiwi will be distributed on the course.
- What can I do before and after the race?
Besides the many fun things to do in Virginia Beach, you are of course invited to the expo (a two-day event, see schedule for details).
- Is there a Pasta Dinner?
No. There are so many great restaurants in Virginia Beach supporting the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest that we are encouraging all participants to support them.
- How do I get a refund if I cannot attend?
There are absolutely no refunds or transfers of entry fees.
24. Are baby joggers allowed during the race?
No. This is to ensure runner safety and comply with liability insurance.
25. Are headphones (ipods, mp3 players, etc.) allowed during the race?
No. This is to ensure runner safety and comply with liability insurance.
26. Is there dry bag check?
Yes, there is for the marathon and half-marathon only. You will have a dry gear check tag on your race number, simply attach this to your bag and you can drop it off with our trucks located at the following places:
Half Marathon Dry Bag Trucks: Between 38th and 40th streets on Atlantic
Marathon Dry Bag Trucks: 33rd and Atlantic
27. What times do the roads close/open?
Please check here for spectator information and road closures.