Runner's Guide to 2019 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Learn where to run, walk and watch

The 2019 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is fast approaching, but don’t worry if you aren’t up to speed.

Here's everything you need to know if you're planning on watching, walking or running in the 40th annual event, which takes place March 24.

The course:

The 8K takes runners from Grant Park to Grand Avenue, snaking through streets in the South Loop back to Roosevelt Road and ending up in Grant Park again.

The 2-mile walking course returns for its second year, taking participants along the lakefront, beginning and ending at the same spots in Grant Park as the 8K.

Here is a map of both courses.

All of the courses' streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the morning of March 24.

Runners must be able to keep a pace of 15 minutes per mile, ensuring they finish within 1 hour and 15 minutes, while walkers must be able to keep a pace of 30 minutes per mile and finish within 1 hour.

There will be two aid stations for runners: one at State and Randolph streets and another at Harrison and Wells streets. Aid stations are equipped with water, Gatorade, medical support and bathrooms.

Schedule:

Friday, March 22: Packet pickup occurs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the McCormick Place Skyline Ballroom.

Saturday, March 23: Packet pickup occurs from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the McCormick Place Skyline Ballroom. The one-mile run steps off in Grant Park at 9:30 a.m. and continues until 12:30 p.m. 

Sunday, March 24: Participants meet at Grant Park.

6:30 a.m. – Gear check and start corrals open

8:25 a.m. - Wheelchair start

8:30 a.m. – The first wave of racers begins

9 a.m. – Post-race party begins, and the second wave of racers begins

9:30 a.m. – The 2-mile walk begins and live music starts at the post-race party

11:30 a.m. – Gear check closes

1 p.m. – Beer ticket sales end

1:30 p.m. – Post-race party ends

2 p.m. – Race after-party begins at The Scout Waterhouse and Kitchen, 1301 S. Wabash Ave.

Times are subject to change, according to the Shamrock Shuffle website, so check back before race day.

What runners get:

When runners pick up their packet at McCormick Place, they will find a timing device, event bib number, Nike participant running shirt and a festive winter hat. They'll also receive a drink ticket for one Michelob Ultra at the post-race party and after party. Runners will also receive an official finisher's medal after the race. 

How to watch:

NBC Chicago will livestream the event from 8:30 a.m.–11 a.m. on NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago mobile app. Click here for more. 

Registration:

You can still register at the Shamrock Shuffle website for both the race and the one-mile run. 

8K runners are subject to a $55 registration fee while one-mile runners pay $30. 

Volunteers:

Volunteer registration closed Monday. All registered volunteers were set to receive a confirmation email on Tuesday. 

Contact Us