Winds whipped, runners sprinted and a record was broken as the 2018 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle finished its 39th running. 

A sea of green paraded through downtown streets and across Grant Park, running and walking their way into spring.  

Leading the way for the more than 25,000 runners, Stephen Sambu completed an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory and Colorado's Laura Thweatt earned a first-place finish in her return from an injury.  

University of Illinois' Brian Siemann and defending women's champ Amanda McGrory both took home victories in the wheelchair races as well. 

The sun shined but a bitter wind greeted the mass of Shufflers unofficially kicked off outdoor running in Chicago. 

Among the thousands of non-elite runners was race director Carey Pinkowski, who crossed the starting line for the first time since 1988.

The event raised thousands of dollars for charities, including more than $18,000 for the American Cancer Society, which was fundraised by Pinkowski himself. 

For many, the shuffle marked the beginning of what will undoubtedly be an eventful running season, culminating in the fall running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.