I didn't run the Shamrock Marathon in 2021, but I applaud them for their efforts to adapt Shamrock Weekend to the strange times we're living in while keeping the runners safe. The 2018 Shamrock Marathon was my very first and to this date, my only marathon. It was the year they changed the course so the Marathoners were mixed in with the half marathoners and I was so thankful. It was amazing feeling the energy of the crowd at the start. It was so empowering choosing to turn right to go for 26.2 instead of left to the 13.1 finish. That race was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but also one of the best. The whole Shamrock experience is amazing from start to finish. The expo brings in top talent in the running world as speakers. The swag you get at the finish and the quality of the after party hasn't been matched by any other race I've attended. read more

Finally, have checked this local marathon off my list. (And my first FULL marathon! Yay) I'm a huge fan of J&A and feel so lucky that we have such a vibrant and fun race community right here in my home town. I've completed the 8k and half marathon for Shamrock weekends in the past and, like others have noted, this one is a flat and easy course with a wonderful expo and packet pickup. This year, they didn't personalize the bibs so you all had to stand in a single really long line on Friday afternoon that snaked all the way around the convention center to pick up a bib and write your own name on it. Number was assigned when you checked in and they scanned it. Lines moved OK but I prefer the personal bib method with the numbers you line up with.... Expo was a bit lacking in variety this year but they had a wonderful selection of Shamrock-themed goodies and I spent way more than intended! The race was fabulous, the pacers were excellent, and the results and photos and after party and medals all made me a happy gal. I've run a ton of races and no one does it like J&A. Top notch all the way. read more

I am VERY disappointed in this race organization... I was supposed to run the marathon this weekend but I became very sick and could not make it. I asked for a deferment and was told sorry the deadline had passed. Though I was disappointed in this I understand at some point you have to draw a line with these things... (I've been running races now for over 10 years). What just pours salt on this wound is I purchased photos and they won't even refund me that money... They are out absolutely nothing to do this... the photography company was already hired for the event. This would have been a nice goodwill gesture on their part. So I will NEVER be signing up for this event again. Nor will I recommend it to anyone. read more

The Shamrock Marathon is seriously one of the best races around. I first did the Half Marathon in 2010, and immediately knew that I wanted to return one day for the full Marathon, which I did this year. In fact, I did the Whale Challenge (8K on Saturday, Marathon on Sunday). Everything about this race is great. The registration fees are comparable to other marathons, and of course cheaper the earlier you register. With registration, you get your typical technical shirt (for the marathon and half - 8K gets a long sleeved cotton tee), and finisher's medal. But that's not all - for both the half and the full, I've gotten a technical finisher's hat each year, in 2010 got a long sleeved finisher's tee, and this year got a finisher's beach towel. Also, for completing the Whale Challenge, I received a medal for the 8K, Marathon, and a special Whale Challenge Medal. The expo is well organized, and a great place to pick up even more free swag. This year I left the expo with a Livestrong tech hat, a couple of cups, Chapstick (I like to keep one in the pocket of each of my running jackets), a ton of beer cozies, and a handful of other samples and freebies. They have decent quality race items for purchase, including a nice Brooks top that I bought, and a pint glass (I like to collect them from all my big races). The races themselves are also well organized. There's no question as to where your corral begins, and the corrals go off at decent intervals. Tons of water/Gatorade stations, and even a few Gu stations along the marathon course. And with photographers everywhere, you are guaranteed a great race pic! The crowds are also great and enthusiastic, especially our finest men and women stationed at the Virginia Beach Army Base. Following the race is a cool celebration inside the party tent on the beach. The Yuengling is free flowing and some bands play. There's also some Irish stew, which unfortunately is not vegetarian, because a nice hot, salty stew would have been nice after the marathon. Runners must put this race on their "to do" list. I hope to go back to Virginia Beach to do one of the other J&A Races, probably the Surfin' Santa 10 Miler in December. read more

See all

Ha, I WISH I ran the marathon. Maybe one day. Last year, I ran the Shamrock 8k, which is part of the Shamrock Marathon. It was my first race, and I had a blast. There are hundreds of people signed up for the race, and the organizers do an amazing job with crowd control at the Oceanfront. Okay, it's a bit cold and windy at the beach in the middle of March, but once you are running, it's not so bad. For the 8k, the very last stretch of the race was on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean. You can't beat that for some motivation. After the race, there's a tent with live music and free beer on the beach. I wish I could work up the appetite for a drink, but nothing appeals to me less than beer after a 5-mile run when it's still 10:30 in the morning. Even Yuengling didn't tempt me. Anyhow, this was my very first race, and it was a great way to get started and excited about jogging. If you're new to running or you are just jogging, I encourage you to consider the Shamrock. It's really a lot of fun. There are runners and walkers and everything in between, so you'll fit right in. There's also a half-marathon as well as a kids race. read more

Shamrock Marathon - photo credit: www.shamrockmarathon.com - Races & Competitions Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This is a wonderful run down by the beach!! If your active and a runner support the great causes the shamrock supports by signing up to run! Or come down and cheer the runners on! See you there!! read more

Meh, It may been been the lousy, horrific weather this year but I was not all that impressed with (1) Virginia Beach as a town (2) The course itself. I never like a course that makes you run up a road and then turn around on the same road to get the requisite miles in. Lack of imagination. The course is also somewhat ugly going through the army base and running along the same busy roads back into Virginia Beach It's pretty hard to find a Spring race as there aren't many local choices. But I am One and Done on this one. read more

I ran the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon this past weekend as my second full marathon and had a BLAST! I will say that this was the coldest I've ever been on a run, as a nor'easter was blowing through Virginia Beach and winds were gusting out of control, especially as we ran along the boardwalk and along Atlantic Ave. (But that is not the fault of the race directors or J & A Racing!) The week of the race, the weather for race day (Sunday March 20th) looked atrocious. At one point, the forecast was calling for a full-blown thunderstorm. Thankfully the weather improved before race day but it rained the majority of the night prior, so there were puddles galore, and the race start- as well as several stretches of the course- was incredibly windy; one girl I ran past likened it to "what it would be like to run in a tornado". I hope to high heaven I'm never caught running in a tornado but yes, I'd have to agree with those sentiments. In terms of race weekend, weather aside, I'll start with the expo, which was very well-organized; I picked up my swag Saturday in lieu of Friday, and there were a great deal of vendors and fun race gear to sift through. The expo, held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, had 'Shamrock On' and green everywhere, as well as some fun photo opps (including a giant rainbow with a pot of gold at the end and actual plastic coins scattered all over the floor beneath. Very apropos!) The entry-fee of $130 + $8.50 processing fee (by the time I registered in late Jan/early Feb) included wrist-bands for up to 4 Yuengling draft beers at the after-party; after picking up my bib and shirt (no lines for either- arrived at the expo around 2:30/3PM Saturday and it closed at 5PM), I went through the ID check to receive my bracelet. All in all, I was in and out of the expo in under an hour; would have liked to stay longer and shop but needed to check into the hotel and prepare the customary 'flat Annie' for race day. Fast-forward to race morning: unfortunately finding parking was not a breeze in the least but I let my friend handle that and just had him drop me off, then I walked a few blocks to the start line, located at Atlantic and 31st. The wind was already insane at this point (around 8AM); I had no trouble finding a row of Porta Potties on my way (this race had way more Porta Potties than I've seen at any prior races!! Anthem Richmond, take notes!) and then went inside a large seafood restaurant to huddle up with the other runners who were refusing to stand outside in the cold and wind. (Truly, if you've never seen a bunch of runners wearing garbage bags huddled up inside a building with only a few minutes until the gun goes off, it's quite the sight!) As I was in corral 4, I didn't end up waddling outside until almost 8:30, which was cutting it a bit close, as the race started RIGHT on the dot. (The race directors must have German blood! Immer punktlich). The course was a bit boring, I thought (but flatter than a pancake! DEFINITELY a great opportunity for a PR!) but I made a few friends and ran with a nice man named Eric for miles 4 through 7, then I scaled back my pace a bit as we entered the first military base. The coolest part of the course was seeing the lighthouses on Ft. Story. Aside from that, I just ran and listened to my thoughts; it was nowhere near as scenic as my first marathon (Anthem Richmond, which takes place in November every year). The after-party was a BLAST and probably one of the top reasons I'd run this race again, if the opportunity presents itself. *Recommendations: -Sign up early/before the price hike to beat the price increase! -Visit the expo during off-hours/after 2pm Saturday, and you will have no trouble getting in and out. -Plan way more than enough time for parking, especially if you don't have anyone dropping you off. -Wear layers (I had super last-minute decided to order arm sleeves to go with the rest of my green outfit and I am SO glad I did; the wind this time of year makes it brutally cold, especially by the water). -Use the facilities (if needed) before passing through the 13.1 timing mat; I couldn't find another Porta Potty until almost the 16 mile mark, which wasn't a huge deal but something to consider. -Bring flip-flops for the after-party; it's all sand in the tent! (Or you could pull an Annie and just go bare-foot..) *Conclusion: great swag; very well-organized; after-party is fantastic; medical attention was great after the race (needed ice and a space blanket, although we also received towels this year!); beautiful medals; plenty of beer at the after-party. Huge 'thank you' to the great volunteers who gave out water along the way and those who were enthusiastically cheering us on, even in the brutal wind and conditions! Shamrock, you ROCK! read more

Shamrock Marathon - Post-race brews - Races & Competitions Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

See all

I just ran the Shamrock full marathon in Virginia Beach and had an absolute blast. The course is flat and beautiful, the aid stations are awesome and the fans and spectators were so nice and really motivating. I would definitely recommend this marathon for anyone trying to set a PR because it's so flat or for anyone running their first marathon. There was only a slight hill near the tail end of the marathon when going over an overpass but it wasn't bad. The only suggestion I have for the marathon organizers is that they allow for race day packet pickup. Other than that, this event was amazing. I highly recommend! read more

I may be a bit biased because I'm from Virginia and I've done this race many times now, but it is AWESOME and the best marathon ever (I've done a few all over the US)! It is very flat which is always a plus in my book because I'm a big wuss and hate hill training. The scenery is great because it winds around towards First Landing and Fort Story and comes back on the boardwalk to finish at 31st street near the humongous statue of King Neptune so you can clealy see the finish from a mile away; which is an important motivating factor for that last little push! The time of year is perfect as well as it's usually a cool 50-mid 60 degree sunny day down by the oceanfront. The crowds and the volunteers are wonderful and are spread out all over the course, not just the beginning. They hand out everything from the usually goo shots to beer to candy bars! It's very well organized from the time when you register to a few days after the marathon itself when you get your finisher's certificate and can see your photos. It's also a very good registration price for the schwag that you get. Not only have I received the usual finisher's medal (which is very cool as well because it doubles as a beer bottle opener) and the technical tee, but I've gotten a different added extra every year including a very warm hoodie as well as a soft, cozy blanket! Ooo la la! So nice to receive as it's a bit chilly on the beach at the finish. The after party is awesome and it's the only one I've ever really cared to stay after for after having run my butt off (literally!) It's inside of a tent where they have a live band playing as well as ample amount of food including Irish beef stew from Murphy's, fruit, chips, protein bars, cookies, but most importantly, Yuengling! There are other races all weekend long including a few kids fun races, an 8k, and a half marathon. You have the option of doing the dolphin or whale challenge which is doing 2-3 days of all the races. If you're an avid marathoner, this is a MUST on your list! And if you're a newbie and contemplating which marathon for your first, DO THIS ONE! You won't be sorry. I'm so highly disappointed this is the first year I won't be running it this weekend. Have a blast my fellow marathon maniacs! read more

I ran the 8K on Saturday and the 1/2 Marathon on Sunday (otherwise known as the Dolphin Challenge). This is an awesome race to do that should be on everyone's bucket list. Very flat course, see a good amount of Virginia Beach and you finish on the Board Walk. The expo is Friday and Saturday with the Friday expo running unti l9 pm which I appreciate (didn't get into town until 7 and I was running the 8K at 8AM). Easy to get through and pick up your stuff to boot. Race itself was a little chilly, but expect it with being on the beach. Know that the Half Marathon starts before the Full in order to clear out the Half Marathon route which is the second half of the Full Marathon. Awesome post race swag (medal, finisher's hat and finisher's blanket) with a post race tent that has Yuengling (every runner gets up to 4 beers), irish stew and concerts. This race is definitely worth the price to come run and typically sells out early so be on the look out for it! read more

One of the best races I have been to in a long time. The race officials and spectators were so kind. It was very well organized and the route was nice. Not to mention the expo was easy to get in and out of without feeling overly crowded. The post party was great with a true party feel. Additionally, I love my medal, hat, shirt and towel I received for running the race. Thanks for a great race and I hope to run again next year! read more

Shamrock Marathon - Post marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

See all

I'm giving this 2 stars because "someone in charge with a clipboard" yelled at me for not "getting behind the sign" at the corral marker for the 8K. He messed up my mojo for the entire race. This is my 6 year running the 8K and it will be my last. read more

Shamrock is a huge marathon run every March on the Oceanfront. With over 24,000 participants from all fifty states, this Yuengling sponsored event attracts people from all over and pretty much shuts down the beach (for drivers) for the weekend. With free concerts, kids' races and plenty of Yuengling, it's a great and healthy way to spend a weekend and meet lots of new people. read more

This is my favorite race! The community comes out to support the runners with more beer stops than water stops, J&A knows how to throw an awesome after party and just really a fun race! They have so many options from a kid's final mile, 8k, half and full along with extra bling option for a challenge! Love that they really do this with all runners in mind! read more

Let's be honest, we run the Shamrock for the beer and music. But the scenery is pretty awesome too! The Shamrock Marathon has become THE event for runners in Virginia Beach. (Yes, the Rock and Roll Marathon is big too. But the weather is a lot better in March than September.) I'm already registered for March 18, 2012. Are you? read more

This is a can't miss race. Shamrock weekend never disappoints. It's unbelievable how J&A manages to make a race of this size so organized but somehow they do. You get all the feels of a small race but all of the perks and amenities of a huge race. The course is really great, fairly flat and they made some really great upgrades for 2018 and that will likely stay in place beyond. The after party though is the show stopper. There is a tent that's really more like a building right on the sand, always really great bands, beer, and irish stew. The weather can be dicey but is worth it to enjoy the excitement of the weekend. read more

Shamrock weekend in Virginia Beach is epic!! I have run all the distances at one time or another and all are run along great courses. Flat and fast with nice scenery and awesome crowd support. Everything from the expo to the after party is top notch. J & A is the best when it comes to putting on races. read more

I've run the half and full marathon and loved both. This is well organized and I love the afterparty. The course is flat and goes along the oceanfront and past the old and new lighthouses. Beautiful! read more

Shamrock is a ROCKING good time! There is something for the entire family to participate in! The race itself is fast and flat, the after party is top notch, and the race swag is awesome! You don't want to miss out on this race weekend in Virginia Beach! Also check out the other races that J&A Racing puts on during the year, all of them are worth running!!! read more