28,000 Chicago Area Runners Get Ready to Take Part in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Tradition

CHICAGO – The start of Chicago’s spring running season will begin on Sunday, March 24 when the 43rd running of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in Grant Park. The classic road race and annual tradition joins the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a fun and festive 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk through the heart of downtown.

Top local, regional and national USATF-member racing teams are set to headline the event and compete in the 14th annual Deloitte Elite Club Competition. The competition will feature more than 70 teams fighting for the championship title and a $20,000 prize purse. Shuffling in the footsteps of the elite clubs at the front of the field will be 28,000 Chicago-area runners.

In addition to the festivities on Sunday, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will host a one-mile event on Saturday, March 23 in Grant Park. The Mile will highlight Chicago’s diverse running community, welcoming everyone from the next generation of Shufflers to competitive local athletes.

A two-day Packet Pick-up will take place on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23 at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Packet Pick-up is free and open to the public.

For ease and to assist in the race’s sustainable efforts, runners and spectators are encouraged to take public transportation throughout race weekend. For more information on public transportation click here and to view race day street closures visit shamrockshuffle.com/streetclosures.

WHAT: Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

WHERE: Grant Park – Start line at Columbus & Monroe

WHEN: Sunday, March 24

8:30 a.m.: 8K Run Wave 1 Start

9:00 a.m.: 8K Run Wave 2 Start

9:30 a.m.: 2-Mile Walk Start

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Post-Race Party at Buckingham Fountain featuring live music presented by Advocate Health Care

About the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Long recognized as an annual rite of spring, a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the kickoff to the outdoor running season in Chicago, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle treats runners to a scenic 8K Run through downtown Chicago and 2-Mile Walk along Chicago’s lakefront. The 8K Run will kick off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 2-Mile Walk at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 24. Following the race runners can enjoy live music at the Post-Race Party in Grant Park. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to shamrockshuffle.com.