Shamrock Shuffle Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Lionel G.
Chicago, IL

  (03-23-2010)

"The Shamrock Shuffle is GREAT! It signals the start of racing season in CHICAGO! This years version was a bit different due to construction. The new course was actually better in my opinion.

The race itself was great and very well organized. I love the last incline right before you see the finish line!

Personally I was in the C corral and I PR'd 40:34!woo,hoo! Let the fun begin!! "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

sam l.
Chicago, IL

  (03-23-2010)

"A great run! Very well organized and TONS of participants 30k+"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Chanthana T.
Chicago, IL

  (03-22-2010)

"This is my 4th time running the Shamrock Shuffle (3rd year in a row). The air is always electric on race day, especially during this race. Due to construction around State St., the course changed this year. I liked it, except the last .96 mile seemed long. Separating runners into waves has been one of the smartest things to do. Wave 1 contained the elites plus seeded start corrals A, B, and C. Wave 2 contained corral D and open (self-seeded based on expected pace per mile). I was in Wave 1, corral B, so it took me less than 2 minutes to cross the start line. A couple of my friends in open did not get to the start line until 26 minutes after the race began! The first male finisher was already done by then. But this the best thing to do when you are getting nearly 30,000 runners to start the race.

The course is relatively flat. The only "hills" you'll run are over bridges and the last one on Roosevelt. It is the hill you will encounter when finishing the last .2 mile of the Chicago Marathon. (Shamrock Shuffle is sponsored by Bank of America - the same as Chicago Marathon.)

Volunteers are always amazing, friendly, and helpful. They were especially appreciated during the cold & breezy day. This year, I barely noticed the spectators. I was so focused on my pace and time. But I do know there were a few out there!

One criticism I have is the gear check. I waited in a long line (at least 15 minutes) to gather my gear after finishing. The faster you were, the longer you had to wait. Bibs & gear check numbers were based on your wave/corral start."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010