Are you running this year's Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K? You might see executive race director Carey Pinkowski on the streets with you.

Pinkowski will run the Shamrock Shuffle, the kickoff to Chicago's running season, on Sunday, March 25, to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

"I have seen so many people in my life my father, my dear friends and other individuals battle cancer, and this cause has always been important to me,"  Pinkowski said. "It is humbling to participate among a group of runners who make their running more impactful by raising funds for a charitable cause."

REGISTER FOR THE 2018 BANK OF AMERICA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

Pinkowski's participation shines a light on the race's new Charity Matching Campaign.

From Monday, Jan. 29, through Friday, Feb. 9, Bank of America will match donations made at the point of registration when participants opt to run with one of the 34 charity teams affiliated with the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, such as Girls on the Run, Team PAWS, American Cancer Society, Chicago Parks Foundation.

Just select the $55 8K Charity option at registration to make a $5 donation to the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Bank of America will provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to $20,000.

"Over the past 16 years, I have watched more than 100,000 charity runners cross our finish line," Pinkowski said. "It really highlights the beauty of our collective spirit in the sport.

Pinkowski last ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in 1988, finishing third with a time of 24:07.

In honor of Pinkowski's fundraising campaign, Bank of America is making a one-time donation of $8,000.

"We're honored to make this donation in recognition of Carey's dedication and passion to the Chicago running community," said Paul Lambert, Chicago market president of Bank of America. "Carey's demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm have shaped both the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon into the world-class events that they are today."

The Shamrock Shuffle 8K returns for the 39th year on March 25 in Grant Park. Last year, more than 20,000 runners "turned downtown Chicago into a sea of green" to celebrate the local running community.

To sign up for the race, head to shamrockshuffle.com.