Since when did running shoes become associated with shamrocks? Since the Shamrock Shuffle, that’s when! And it’s coming back to Chicago this year. Following are more details about this fun and festive event happening on March 25.
What’s the Shamrock Shuffle?
The Shamrock Shuffle is a unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The event encompasses a lot of values we all cherish, like fitness, charity, and community. That’s something worthy of a shamrock-bearing leprechaun hiding his gold at the end of the rainbow.
Participants can run in the 8K course or walk in the two-mile course, whichever works best. The 8K course must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes and the two-mile walk should be completed within an hour, so keep that in mind if you’re considering signing up.
Who can Participate?
Everyone. It’s true, you don’t need to be a marathon runner, that’s what’s great about the inclusion of a two-mile walk. But there are some restrictions. Participants can’t bring their dogs. Participants also can’t use baby strollers. In addition, participants can’t complete the course using skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or any other wheeled device. Though the latter sounds fun, it can pose a risk to other participants.
What’s the Reward?
You will be happy to know there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You will be well-rewarded for your efforts. First, the reward is to your body – congratulate yourself on getting out and exercising. The bigger reward is to society through charity-giving and community-building – what’s better than that? But of course, there is one more reward: party!
By participating in the Shamrock Shuffle, you are invited to the Post-Race Party. The race concludes at Grant Park, and that’s where the party begins. Live music, food, and beverages will be waiting for you. Spend the day with loved ones and friends while you dance, eat and chat. All are welcome to this part of the event.
Will There be Street Closures?
On the day of the event, there will be street closures in the early morning until afternoon, while participants race or walk their respective courses. As the event gets closer, the street closures will be announced on Shamrock Shuffle’s website. These streets of the course include:
Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Grand Ave.
Grand Ave. from Columbus Dr. to State St.
State St. from Grand Ave. to Jackson Blvd.
Jackson Blvd. from State St. to La Salle St.
La Salle St. from Jackson Blvd. to Randolph St.
Randolph St. from La Salle St. to Franklin St.
Franklin St. from Randolph St. to Harrison St.
Harrison St. from Franklin St. to Michigan Ave.
S. Michigan Ave. (northbound lanes) from Harrison St. to Roosevelt Rd. Roosevelt Rd. (westbound lanes) from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.
Do the Shamrock Shuffle
You don’t have to have Irish DNA to enjoy the event, you just have to enjoy the Irish spirit of giving while having a good time. Come join neighbors at our Chicago apartments and build a community through good times on Sunday, March 25. Maybe you’ll spot a leprechaun somewhere along the way to wish you and yours good luck! Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our available apartments.