Running
Marathon
42.2 km
Start: Mar 23, 07:30 AM
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
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Road runs in United States, Virginia Beach
Distances
Running
Half Marathon
21.1 km
Start: Mar 24, 07:30 AM
Running
8K
8 km
Start: Mar 24, 07:30 AM
About
A Virginia Beach tradition offering marathon, half marathon, and 8K distances with a flat, fast, scenic course and post-race beach celebration.
Catering & aid stations
Water stations approximately every 1.5 miles on the course; Gatorade Endurance Formula lemon-lime available at every water stop; GU Energy Gel at Mile 5.5 and 19; portable toilets at start/finish and near each water stop; public restrooms available along the oceanfront.
Pacers
Pace groups offered; start waves with target times (e.g., 3:00, 3:15 h). Pacers provided; inclusion in entry fee when stated.
Results
View official resultsSurface mix
- 100% asphalt
Typical weather in Virginia Beach
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
Jan47°36°
↑ 07:17
↓ 17:11
Feb50°37°
↑ 06:54
↓ 17:44
Mar56°43°
↑ 07:15
↓ 19:12
Apr65°52°
↑ 06:30
↓ 19:39
May72°61°
↑ 05:57
↓ 20:06
Jun80°70°
↑ 05:45
↓ 20:26
Jul84°74°
↑ 05:57
↓ 20:24
Aug82°73°
↑ 06:22
↓ 19:56
Sep77°69°
↑ 06:47
↓ 19:12
Oct69°59°
↑ 07:12
↓ 18:28
Nov59°49°
↑ 06:44
↓ 16:56
Dec52°41°
↑ 07:11
↓ 16:50
Sign up now
Register on the official organiser website.
Sign up nowRoute maps
What's included in entry
- Race Shirt
- Race Bib
- Finisher Medal
- Event Insurance
FAQ
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 StreetVirginia 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 18, 2026 at 11:59PM. Packets will be mailed out the week of March 2, 2026. Can someone else pick up my packet for me?Send them your check in pass or send them a copy of your ID.
Race Information:
Can I have this on course? 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 & Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon Dry Bag Trucks:Opens at 6:30AM at 30th St. & Atlantic Ave, with drop off closing at 7:15AM. Dry Bag will then move to Boardwalk for pick up, closing at 10:30AM. TowneBank Shamrock 8K Dry Bag:Opens at 6:30AM at 38th St. & Atlantic Ave, with drop off closing at 7:15AM. Dry Bag will then move to Boardwalk for pick up, closing at 3:00PM. Pick Up:The Dry Bag Trucks will be located just past the finish line on the boardwalk. 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?Gatorade 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 oldSentara Shamrock Half Marathon: At least 12 years oldTowneBank Shamrock 8K: At least 5 years oldOperation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: Elementary school studentsLeprechaun 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/StrollersYes, 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. PetsPets 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 Sentara 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.
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 20, 2027TowneBank Shamrock 8K: 7:30 AMLeprechaun Dash: 10:30 AMOperation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: 11 AM March 21, 2027Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon: 7:30 AM 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 2027 Shamrock Marathon is a qualifier for the 2028 Boston Marathon.
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.
What do I get for my entry fee?
All participants perks can be found on each race distance: Marathon Half Marathon 8K
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 StreetVirginia 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 18, 2026 at 11:59PM. Packets will be mailed out the week of March 2, 2026.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Send them your check in pass or send them a copy of your ID.
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 & Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon Dry Bag Trucks:Opens at 6:30AM at 30th St. & Atlantic Ave, with drop off closing at 7:15AM. Dry Bag will then move to Boardwalk for pick up, closing at 10:30AM. TowneBank Shamrock 8K Dry Bag:Opens at 6:30AM at 38th St. & Atlantic Ave, with drop off closing at 7:15AM. Dry Bag will then move to Boardwalk for pick up, closing at 3:00PM. Pick Up:The Dry Bag Trucks will be located just past the finish line on the boardwalk. 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?
Gatorade 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 oldSentara Shamrock Half Marathon: At least 12 years oldTowneBank Shamrock 8K: At least 5 years oldOperation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: Elementary school studentsLeprechaun 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/StrollersYes, 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. PetsPets 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 Sentara 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.
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 20, 2026 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.
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
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 20, 2027TowneBank Shamrock 8K: 7:30 AMLeprechaun Dash: 10:30 AMOperation Smile Shamrock Final Mile: 11 AM March 21, 2027Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon: 7:30 AM
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 2027 Shamrock Marathon is a qualifier for the 2028 Boston Marathon.
Where can I eat and drink?
When it’s time to fuel up or wind down, here are a few of our favorite hangouts to do both! Murphy’s Irish Pub – You can’t visit Virginia Beach and not stop by Murphy’s Irish Pub. Live music, great food and a heated outdoor patio to enjoy all that Virginia Beach has to offer. Catch 31– Catch 31 in Virginia Beach, nestled on the oceanfront Boardwalk, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With a farm-to-table menu featuring hardwood grilled fish, succulent steaks, wood-fired flatbreads, decadent desserts, and a fresh raw bar, it promises an unparalleled dining experience.
Where can I get groceries?
If you’d rather stay in and cook, or just grab some snacks or have certain dietary restrictions, we’ve assembled some near by grocery stores that are ready to accommodate your needs! Trader Joe’s – Small grocery store with unique items Whole Foods – Large grocery chain with many organic and plant-based options Harris Teeter – Friendly neighborhood supermarket just blocks from the Oceanfront Heritage Market – Aisles of natural groceries, a delicious cafe, and convenient take-out entrees include only the finest, wholesome ingredients.
What are the sights?
You went to packet pickup, made some dinner reservations or picked up groceries and now you have some time to kill. What should you do? Check out some of our favorite spots. Virginia Aquarium – Experience one of the best aquariums in the country, with incredible exhibits and amazing animals representing hundreds of species. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – Virginia MOCA presents ever-changing exhibitions where neighbors, strangers, students, families, communities, and cultures are invited to explore our shared humanity, through locally relevant and nationally resonant, contemporary art. ViBe District – Nestled within the Oceanfront area is the ViBe Creative District, Virginia Beach’s cultural arts enclave, which is a hub for artisans of all disciplines ranging from culinary, music and traditional art to leather working and woodworking.
Where can I run on my own?
While the streets and boardwalk are always open for a shakeout run, give one of our parks a try! First Landing State Park – First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre park that fronts the Chesapeake Bay and features 1.25 miles of beach and more than 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beach, dunes, forest, tidal marsh and cypress swamp. MT. Trashmore Park – The world renowned Mount Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skatepark and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge – The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a 9,108-acre refuge that is made up of barrier islands, dunes, beach woodland, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches.
What else is happening in the city?
Before or after your race, these locations will take your race weekend to the next level! Start the day with a locals breakfast at Doc Taylor’s or check out the newly revamped Belvedere Coffee Shop and Diner. Climb your way to new heights and zip line across the Adventure Park just minutes from the Oceanfront. If you prefer to get to new heights over water, then parasail over the Oceanfront with Pirate Parasail. Nothing beats a picnic at Mount Trashmore (yes, that’s it’s real name). Trust us, the view is great and so is the small climb up. Is shuffleboard more your speed? Take a step back in time with the atmospheric Beachside Social.
Are there ride share options?
RideshareVirginia Beach does have Uber and Lyft options.
How do I get to the Oceanfront from the airport?
The closest area airport is the Norfolk International Airport which is located about 20 minutes from the Oceanfront. Another option is the Williamsburg-Newport News International Airport which is located about 50 minutes from the Oceanfront. Traveling from the airport to the Oceanfront, we suggest using Uber or Lyft.
What if I drive myself to Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is just 3 ½ hours from the Washington DC Metro area and about 3 ½ hours from Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. Parking in Virginia Beach is dependent on where you are staying but the beach does offer many other hourly and daily garages. For more info on parking visit the city’s parking website here.
Last updated: Jun 6, 2026, 12:29:06 AM
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