Registration:
Can someone else run with my race bib?
For the safety and security of all our runners, people are not permitted to run with someone else’s race bib.
To learn how to officially transfer your bib, click here
What if I can’t make it?
For information on how to defer your race entry to the following year, click here
Can I register on race day?
No. The last chance to register is the day before your event. Registration will close one hour before the Sports & Fitness Expo closes. You must pick up your race packet prior to race day.
Registration will be available as long the race has not sold out.
Will I receive a refund if I cannot attend?
J&A Racing does not process refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS.
How can I sign up for the race?
Online registration can be found HERE.
What do I get for my entry fee?
Expo & Packet Pick-up:
Where can I pick up my race packet?
The Shamrock Sports & Fitness Expo is located at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA.
Address:
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach, VA
From I-264, take Exit 22 (Birdneck Road) and follow the signs.
For more information, click here.
Can I have my packet mailed?
If you cannot pick up your packet during the Expo hours and do not have someone else that can pick it up for you, for a fee of $45, we can mail you your packet. The packet mailing option will close on February 12, 2025 at 11:59PM. Packets will be mailed out the week of February 24, 2025.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
You may authorize another person to pick up your packet/bib number. Simply download and fill out the permission form and then upload it to your account (you can find instructions on how to do that here).
Race Information:
Will spectators be allowed to view the finish?
Yes, there will be plenty of space to view your runner finish. However, due to the size of the event, we suggest arriving to the finish line early to ensure a good spot. We also invite you to stay and take part in the post-race party.
Do I need my ID for the post-race party?
Yes, you will need your ID, no matter your age, to be given an authorized wristband. Your race bib will serve as your ticket for the beer and food at the post-race celebration.
Will there be an awards ceremony? What are the award categories?
In an effort to keep the emphasis on fitness and fun, individual awards will not be given out for the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile. For distances 8K and greater, awards will be mailed out 4-6 weeks after the event once results are verified, etc.
Where will my results be posted?
You can look up your results HERE after the race.
Is there a dry bag check?
Yes. You must use the clear bag you receive at packet pick-up. For security reasons, no other bags will be accepted.
Drop Off:
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon Dry Bag Trucks:
Between 38th and 40th Streets on Atlantic
TowneBank Shamrock 8K Dry Bag:
Dry bag tent located at 28th Street between the boardwalk and bike path (oceanfront side).
Pick Up:
For the Half Marathon and Marathon, the Dry Bag Trucks will be located just past the finish line on the boardwalk.
For the 8K, the dry bags will be in the tent where you drop them off.
You must pick your dry bag up immediately upon finishing the race. We will not hold dry bags past your race cutoff time. Any dry bags not picked up by the cutoff for your event will be returned to the J&A Racing offices.
Will there be porta potties on the course?
Absolutely! Porta potties will be located at the Start area, Finish area and at water stops along the course.
Will there be hydration and energy gels on the course?
Nuun Hydration will be available on course at each aid station for the Marathon and Half Marathon.
GU Energy Gels will be available on the Half Marathon and Marathon course at Mile 5. It will be available again for the Marathon near mile 19.
We encourage you to train with these brands before the race if you plan on using the drinks and gels on the course.
What are the age limits for each race?
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon: At least 16 years old
Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon: At least 12 years old
TowneBank Shamrock 8K: At least 5 years old
Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: Elementary school students
Leprechaun Dash: 6 months to 5 years old
Are headphones allowed during the race?
Headphones are allowed; however, we strongly encourage participants to abstain from using headphones during this race.
Are baby joggers, strollers, or pets allowed during the race?
Baby Joggers/Strollers
Yes, baby joggers and strollers are allowed. You must include your child’s information during your registration (there is no additional charge). If you did not include your child during registration, please visit the Help Desk at the Sports & Fitness Expo to add your child.
Baby joggers and strollers are not allowed in corrals 1-3, so you must be in corral 4 or higher and seed yourself at the back of your assigned corral. It is your responsibility to make sure your baby jogger/stroller does not impede other runners, and you must take extra precaution to ensure your safety, your child’s safety, and the safety of the runners around you. We reserve the right to pull any participant from the race who is endangering other runners or themselves.
Pets
Pets are not permitted in any of the J&A Racing events.
Are there time limits?
Walkers are welcome in all the races.
TowneBank Shamrock 8K Cutoff: 2 hours from the start of the last corral
Anthem Shamrock Half MarathonCutoff: 4 hours from the start of the last corral
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Cutoff: 7 hours from the start of the last corral
Due to street closure restrictions and hard closures of military base access points, you must reach the following checkpoints at the times indicated to avoid being picked up and transported back to the finish area:
Location | Mile Point | Cutoff Time |
West Gate of JEB Little Creek-Ft. Story | 5.78 | 9:45 AM |
East Gate of JEB Little Creek-Ft. Story | 9.1 | 10:45 AM |
Half Marathon point | 13.1 | 11:28 AM |
5th Street (Heading out) | 15.43 | 12:07 PM |
U-Turn by Prosperity Rd | 18.75 | 1:02 PM |
Camp Pendleton Exit | 22.1 | 1:55 PM |
5th Street (Heading back) | 23 | 2:06 PM |
Will there be pace groups?
Yes. More information about our pace groups can be found HERE.
Final Mile Information:
How do I get my child’s race bib?
You can pick up your child’s race bib at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Friday, March 14, 2025 between the hours of 11 AM – 7 PM. There is NO race day packet pick up.
How do I find my child after the race?
Your child will be kept in the secure finishing corral until an adult picks them up. They are not allowed to leave the finish corral without an adult.
Is the course secure?
The course is secure for the entire mile.
Can I run with my child?
If parents would like to accompany their child on course, they will need to register for the Purple Corral (also known as the Guardian Bib corral) which is the last corral of the day. This corral will be at the end of the student corrals and all adults in this corral must have been issued a guardian bib. The guardian bib is free, and you can sign up for one as part of the registration process. Parents who have already signed up may change their guardian bib status by emailing us at info@jandaracing.com. If a parent chooses to run with their child, then the child will not be able to run with their school.
How will I know my child’s corral?
Corral information will be emailed* to the child one week before the event.
*email used during registration
Will there be an awards ceremony? What are the award categories?
In an effort to keep the emphasis on fitness and fun, individual awards will not be given out for the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile. For distances 8K and greater, awards will be mailed out 4-6 weeks after the event once results are verified, etc.
General Questions:
What time should I arrive on race day?
We encourage all participants and spectators to arrive prior to 6:30am to ensure parking availability and allow for adequate time to drop off bags, warm up, and get in the start corrals.
What will the weather be like in Virginia Beach in March?
The average high is 59 degrees and the average low is 40 degrees in March.
What are the event start dates and times?
March 15, 2025
TowneBank Shamrock 8K: 7:30 AM
Leprechaun Dash: 10:30 AM
Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: 11 AM
March 16, 2025
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon: 7:30 AM
Where can we park for the races?
We encourage you to arrive early and bring cash for parking – Many lots will only accept cash on race day!
There is parking at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, and private lots at 21st and 23rd. There is also street parking in the area.
See the parking map HERE.
What can I do before and after the race?
There are many fun things to do in Virginia Beach during race weekend. Click here for things to do. In addition, you are invited to attend the two day Sports & Fitness Expo.
Is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, the 2025 Shamrock Marathon is a qualifier for the 2026 Boston Marathon.