Virginia Beach, VA – March 22, 2026 – The luck of the Irish was on full display this past weekend as the 2026 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend transformed the Virginia Beach oceanfront into a sea of green. Running from March 20-22, the event achieved a historic milestone, selling out all race distances with a record-breaking 25,000 participants who were greeted by spectacular spring weather.
The weekend kicked off with the Lovato Electric Shamrock Sports and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Runners descended on the venue for packet pickup, exclusive Shamrock merchandise, and the opportunity to browse offerings from over 55 vendors.
Saturday’s action saw athletes take on the TowneBank Shamrock 8K, while young runners showcased their speed in the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile and the Leprechaun Dash. Following the races, the celebration began in earnest with the weekend’s first major after party on the beach, featuring a high-energy performance by Tempo Tantrum.
Sunday brought the marquee events—the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon—drawing thousands of spectators to the boardwalk to cheer on runners. The party continued post-race with a beachside celebration headlined by NoFilter, capping off a weekend that balanced competitive athleticism with the festive atmosphere the event is known for.
With this year’s event officially in the books, organizers at J&A Racing are already setting their sights on a monumental 2027.
“We knew this weekend was going to be special, but to see the energy of 25,000 participants soaking up perfect weather on a sold-out course was absolutely magical,” said Jerry Frostick, Owner and Race Director for J&A Racing. “This weekend proved why Shamrock is a destination event. We are so grateful to the City of Virginia Beach, our sponsors, and every runner who made this the biggest party on the beach.”
The 2027 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend is scheduled for March 19-21, 2027, marking the 55th Running of the historic event. With momentum at an all-time high, organizers promise a celebration unlike any before.
“As we look ahead to the 55th Running, we are already dreaming big,” said Amy Frostick, Owner and Race Director for J&A Racing. “We plan to make next year’s Shamrock the biggest and best in our history. We’re going to blow the roof off the 55th—get your green ready, because 2027 is going to be one for the record books.”
The 55th Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend will take place March 19-21,2027. The weekend features the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon, TowneBank Shamrock 8K, Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile and the Leprechaun Dash for children. Registration for 2027 is now on sale. For more information, please visit shamrockmarathon.com
WINNERS:
Marathon –
· Male: Addison Allshouse, 20, Fort Belvoir, VA; 2:26:06
· Female: Emma Somers, 25, Chesapeake, VA; 2:57:13
Half Marathon –
· Male: Troy Hill, 24, Middletown Township, NJ; 1:10:09
· Female: Anna Benedettini, 27, Virginia Beach, VA; 1:14:11
8K –
· Male: Sean Casey, 26, Virginia Beach, VA; 25:04
· Female: Sophia King, 29, Richmond, VA; 27:13
Photo Credit: J&A Racing.
About J&A Racing
J&A Racing is a nationally recognized race management company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a portfolio of 9 events, J&A Racing’s mission is to promote and support healthy lifestyles and the sport of running through all stages of life. Since 2003 when J&A Racing owners, Amy and Jerry Frostick, took over the Shamrock Sportsfest, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend has become one of the most popular running events in the country. Additionally, J&A Racing organizes the ADP Corporate 5K; the Getem Services Big Blue 5K; Virginia Beach 10 Miler and 5K; Sentara Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon & 5K; Wicked 10K & 5K; the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, 10K & 5K; the BayPort Credit Union Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler; and the Sun Up to Sun Down 50K. For more information on J&A Racing’s events, visit jandaracing.com.