Register Online Today!
If you had fun at the Shamrock Sportsfest Weekend, come back and see us next year! Register online
Chrono track timing
Chrono Track Systems, Inc. will time Shamrock utilizing the disposable "D" Tag - and no other timing system can be worn. Participants will pick-up their Chrono Track Timing at packet pick-up. Race numbers must be worn for visual personal i.d. while on the course.
For further instructions on Chrono Track Timing please visit their website at Chrono Track Timing
Event Count Down
Days Hour Mins Sec
Shamrock's Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
1. What do I get for my entry fee?All marathon and half marathon participants receive a high quality Brooks technical shirt; all 8k, final mile, and children's marathon participants receive a cotton t-shirt. All participants receive a cloth goody bag, commemorative medal, parchment certificate (marathon and half marathon only), free refreshments at the finish line tent, and a post race party you'll never forget! Plus, everyone receives free entry into the Sports and Fitness Expo race weekend.
2. Is the Shamrock Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, the 2010 Shamrock marathon is a qualifier for the 2011 Boston Marathon. (The cutoff date for 2010 qualifying times is March 1, 2010).
3. How can I sign up for the events?
Register online at Active.com.
4. 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 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.
5. Does the marathon and half marathon have pace groups?
Yes, complete information about the pace groups is available on the Pacers Page .
6. How can I check if I'm registered?
Click here to see if you are registered.
7. Will I receive a confirmation card?
Confirmation cards will be mailed to all participants registered prior to February 16, 2010. Confirmation cards will be mailed on March 1, 2010. Please bring this card with you to pick up your race packet. You must turn in your signed confirmation card to receive your race packet.
8. Will I receive a confirmation card if I sign up after February 16, 2010?
No, you will not receive a confirmation card via mail. There will be blank confirmation cards available at the registration tables at packet pick up. You can fill out a blank card and turn it in to receive your race packet.
9. Can I transfer from one race to another? Example: 8k to half marathon?
Yes, you can transfer races by submitting the change in entry fee to the Shamrock Marathon office. After February 15, 2010, there will be a transfer fee of $25.00 in addition to the change in entry fee. You cannot transfer to a race that has reached its participant limit. You will not receive a refund if you transfer from a higher entry fee race to a lower entry fee race.
10. What are the time limits for the races? Are they walker friendly?
Walkers are welcome in all the races. We have added a walker category to the half marathon and marathon. The time limit for the marathon is 6.5 hours, the half marathon is 4 hours, and the 8k is 2 hours.
11. Where can I find a course map?
You can view the course maps here .
12. What will the weather be like in Virginia Beach during March?
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.
13. What can I do before and after the race?
There are many fun things to do in Virginia Beach during race weekend. In addition, you are invited to attend the two day Sports & Fitness Expo .
14. Will I receive a refund if I cannot attend?
There are absolutely no refunds, no exceptions.
15. Are baby joggers, strollers or pets allowed during the race?
No. This is to ensure runner safety and comply with liability insurance policies.
16. Are headphones (iPods, mp3 players, etc) allowed during the race?
No. This is to ensure runner safety and comply with liability insurance policies.
17. What are the age requirements for the Shamrock races?
Marathon: at least 16 years old
Half Marathon: at least 12 years old
8k: No requirement
8k Middle School Challenge: Middle School Students
Final Mile: Elementary School Students
Children's Marathon: 6 months-5 years old
18. Can I transfer my registration to another runner?
No, there are absolutely no transfers of registrations.
Expo/Packet Pick Up:
19. How will I receive my race packet?
Race packets can be picked up at the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Friday March 19th between 1:00-9:00 pm or on Saturday March 20th between 10:00 am - 5:00 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!
20. Can I pick up my race packet on race day?
No, you must pick up your packet on the day before your event at the Virginia Beach Convention Center during the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo. No exceptions!
21. Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes, as long as they have a copy of your photo ID, your signed confirmation card, and a letter signed by you providing permission for someone else to pick up your packet.
22. 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.
23. Can I register on race day?
No, the last chance to register is the day before your event during the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo.
24. 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 Shamrock Sports & Fitness expo.
Race Information:
25. Are the races corralled?The half marathon, 8k, and Final Mile use corrals. The half marathon and 8k corrals are based on time. The corral assignments for the 2010 Shamrock Half Marathon will be as follows:
Corral 1: 1:50 and below
Corral 2: 1:51-2:00 hours
Corral 3: 2:01-2:15 hours
Corral 4: 2:16-2:35 hours
Corral 5: 2:35 and above
26. Can I switch corrals?
You may switch to a slower corral without making a change. If you wish to move to a faster corral, you must go to the information booth at the Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo.
27. Where can we park for the races?
We encourage you to arrive 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. You will not be able to park directly at the start, so if you are staying in a local hotel, we encourage you to walk to the start. Check here for a parking map.
28. Can I run with my child during the Operation Smile Final Mile?
No. We have over 3,000 children participating in the Final Mile and in order for it to run smoothly and on time we cannot have more adults on the course than the volunteers and course marshals. Please check the Final Mile page for instructions on finding your child after the race.
29. What are the event start times?
Saturday March 20, 2010
8k: 8:00 am
Children's Marathon: 10:00 am
Operation Smile Final Mile: 11:00 am
Sunday March 21, 2010
Half Marathon: 7:00 am
Marathon: 8:00 am
30. 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 will be distributed on the course.
31. Is there a pasta dinner?
No, there are so many great restaurants in Virginia Beach supporting the Yuengling Shamrock Sportsfest that we encourage all participants to support them.
32. Is there a dry bag check?
Yes, there is dry bag check for the marathon and half marathon. You will have a dry bag 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
33. What times do the roads close/open?
Please check here for spectator information and road closures.