EVENT FAQS

Do you have a question about the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle? Please view the frequently asked questions below to find the answers to your questions.

The following FAQs will continue to be updated as information becomes available.*

*Updates as of March 25, 2024.

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please contact the event via email at office@shamrockshuffle.com.

• APPLICATION FAQs

  When is the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The Mile at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will take place the day before, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

  When can I sign up to run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  Registration for the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will open later this year. Sign up for the e-newsletter to be notified when registration opens for the 2025 event.

  Is there an application deadline?
  Registration for the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will remain open until event capacity is reached.

  What are the requirements to participate?
  The following are the requirements to participate in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle:

  • Registrants for the 8K Run must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace. Completing the full event distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 1 hour and 15 minutes (h:mm:ss/1:15:59).
  • Participants must be 8 years of age or older on event day. Participants under 18 years of age must have a statement signed by a parent or legal guardian permitting participation.
  • Sale and/or transfer of race entries/bib numbers is strictly prohibited. All entry fees are non-refundable and may not be deferred toward a future event.
  • Read the official event rules.

  Can anyone sign up to run or is it an application?
  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is open to runners on a first-come first-served basis.

  How much does it cost to participate in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  Information about the 2025 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, including the entry fee, will be available later this year. Sign up for the e-newsletter to be notified when information about the 2025 event is available.

  Can I cancel my entry if I can’t run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  No. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle does not have a cancellation policy. Please note, per our event rules: Race entries and ancillary purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable under any and all circumstances.

  I can’t run. Can I get a refund?
  No. Per our event rules: Race entries and ancillary purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable under any and all circumstances.

  I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry or transfer my entry to someone else?
  No. Per our event rules: The sale and/or transfer of race entries/bibs is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events.

  When will future runnings of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle take place?
  View anticipated dates for future runnings of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Please note that these dates are subject to change.

• RUNNER INFORMATION FAQs

  How can I change my registration information?
  Participants can change limited registration information through their participant account.

  What if my family wants to watch me run?
  Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants along the course route and connect after the race at the Post-Race Party. For more information on the course visit the Course & amenities page of shamrockshuffle.com.

  How can I cancel my entry?
  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle does not have a cancellation policy. Please note, per our event rules: Race entries and ancillary purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable under any and all circumstances.

  Can I wear a fun green outfit in honor of St. Patrick’s Day?
  Yes. Participants are encouraged to wear festive and fun St. Patrick’s Day apparel on race day.

  What time does the race start?
  The 8K Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 2-Mile Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

  The Mile will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The race will feature waves that highlight the diverse nature of Chicago’s running community.

  Times subject to change.

  Are start corrals assigned before the race?
  Yes. Start corrals are assigned based on the expected pace per mile submitted at the point of registration. Additional information related to the start process and operations will be available in advance of the race.

  Can I walk the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  Participants must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace for the 8K Run and a 30:00/mile pace for the 2-Mile Walk, completing the full event distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 1 hour and 15 minutes (h:mm:ss/1:15:59) for the 8K Run and 1 hour (hh:mm:ss/1:00:59) for the 2 mile walk.

  What participant amenities do you offer on course?
  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run will have two on-course aid stations. Each aid station will offer Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.

  The 2-Mile Walk will have one on-course aid station offering water and toilet facilities.

  How can I pick up my bib number?
  Event bib numbers and race materials will be available in the days leading up to the race at Packet Pick-up. If you cannot pick up your packet in person, a friend, family member or co-worker can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your Packet Pick-up ticket.

  Will I be able to check my gear?
  Yes. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle offers race day gear check to all participants. Additional information will be available in advance of the race.

  What if I lose something at the race?
  Lost and found items collected throughout race weekend will be available for pick-up at information tents. If you are looking for an item that was lost, please ask an information volunteer for instructions on how to claim your item. Following the event, items can be reclaimed through our Lost and Found platform, available at shamrockshuffle.com/lostandfound. Items reclaimed post-event may be shipped to individuals for a shipping fee.

  Can I run for a charity?
  Yes. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle welcomes the involvement of charities in a variety of capacities. Throughout race weekend, charity volunteers assist at Packet Pick-up, on the course, at the finish line and at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Post-Race Party, while other organizations host teams of fundraising participants. For information visit the Charity Program page.

  Will there be ASL interpretation services available at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  Sign language interpreters will be in Grant Park race weekend to assist participants who may need to utilize their service. Interpreters will be available at Packet Pick-up on Friday, March 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The interpreter will be located near the information area of Packet Pick-up. On race day, interpreters will be at the Adaptive Program tent from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Adaptive Program tent is located on the south side of Jackson Boulevard between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park.

  Are there race day lactation spaces at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle?
  Private and semi-private lactation spaces are available to participants on race day. Participants interested in using the spaces will have access to a private seating area (chair and table) or semi-private tented facility, a water source or a portable hand-washing station and a power source. Spaces will be available in the following locations:

  Pre-race: Private and semi-private space at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue) and at Buckingham Fountain (adjacent to the Buckingham fountain Information Tent).

  Post-race: Semi-private tented facility at Buckingham Fountain (adjacent to the Buckingham Fountain Information Tent).

  Please note, the semi-private tented facility on Buckingham Fountain is open to spectators.

  Participants interested in using the pre-race space at the Hilton Chicago are asked to email office@shamrockshuffle.com for instructions on how to access the space. Individuals interested in using the facility on the Buckingham fountain deck are not required to book the space. The facility will be first-come first-served.

  Staff will be onsite at each location to assist those interested in using the space(s) on a first-come first-served basis.

  Please note, the event will not store or transport equipment. Additional questions can about lactation spaces can be directed to office@shamrockshuffle.com in advance of the event.

• TRAVEL FAQs

  What is the best way to get to the Bank of America Chicago Shamrock Shuffle?
  The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get to and from Grant Park on race day. For the most up-to-date travel information and to learn how to use the CTA bus and rail system visit transitchicago.com.

  Participants traveling from the suburbs to the race are encouraged to take Metra. For more information visit metra.com.

  If I am driving to the race, where can I park my car?
  Millennium Garages offer the closest race day parking options to Grant Park at the Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages. Learn more at millenniumgarages.com.

  Where can I find information about race day street closures?
  Street closure information for the 2025 event will be available in advance of the race.

• PACKET PICK-UP FAQs

  When is Packet Pick-up located?
  Participant Packet Pick-up will take place on Friday, March 21 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, March 22 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). You must attend the Participant Packet Pick-up to pick up your bib number, participant bag, Nike participant shirt, commemorative item and any pre-purchased beer tickets (if applicable).

  I’m participating in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, 2-Mile Walk and/or The Mile. Do I have to go to Packet Pick-up?
  Yes. Participants must attend Packet Pick-up to get their event bib number and race. If you cannot pick up your packet in person, a friend, family member or co-worker can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your Packet Pick-up ticket.

  I can’t go to Packet Pick-up. Can I pick up my items on race day?
  No. There is no packet pick up on race day. If you cannot pick up your packet in person, a friend, family member or co-worker can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your Packet Pick-up ticket.

  What comes in the packet?
  Your participant packet and bag include:

  • Timing device (if you are participating in the 8K Run)
  • Event bib number
  • Festive and fun race item
  • Nike participant running shirt

  When will I receive my Packet Pick-up email?
  Packet Pick-up tickets will be emailed to all registered participants in the days leading up to the event.

  Can someone pick up my packet for me?
  Yes. If you cannot pick up your packet in person, a friend, family member or co-worker can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your Packet Pick-up ticket.

• START LINE FAQs

  Where is the start line located?
  The start line of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is located in Grant Park at the intersection of Monroe Street and Columbus Drive.

  Are start corrals assigned ahead of time?
  All participants are assigned to a start corral and a start wave. Participants are placed into start corrals based on qualifying times and estimated times provided on their applications.

  Can I change my start corral?
  Yes. Additional information on start corrals including qualifying standards and how to change your corral will be available in advance of the event.

  What time does the race start?
  Wave 1 of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wave 2 of the run will start at 9 a.m. The 2-Mile Walk kicks off at 9:30 a.m.

• COURSE FAQs

  What is the course time limit?
  Participants must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace for the 8K Run and a 30:00/mile pace for the 2-Mile Walk. Completing the full event distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 1 hour and 15 minutes (h:mm:ss/1:15:59) for the 8K Run and 1 hour (hh:mm:ss/1:00:59) for the 2-Mile Walk.

  Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers.

  How many aid stations are on the course?
  The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run will have two on-course aid stations. Each aid station will offer Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.

  What if I get hurt while running?
  Medical volunteers are available at all aid stations to support participants.

  Can I run with my water bottle?
  Yes. Fuel belts and hand-held water bottles are allowed by the event. Camelbaks® and any type of hydration backpack are prohibited.

  Can I run with headphones?
  Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must always be alert to their surroundings and must pay attention to important announcements made throughout the day

• FINISH LINE FAQs

  Where is the finish line located?
  The finish line of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is located in Grant Park south of Balbo Drive on Columbus Drive.

  Can friends and family access the finish line?
  Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants along the course route and connect after the race at the Post-Race Party. For more information on the course visit the Course & amenities page.

  Where should I connect with friends and family after the race?
  Participants are encouraged to meet friends and family after the race at the Post-Race Party on the Buckingham Fountain plaza.

• POST-RACE & RESULTS FAQs

  Does the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle have a Post-Race Party?
  Yes. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Post-Race Party will be held at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (Columbus Dr. and Ida B. Wells Dr.) immediately following the race.

  Where will I be able to see my results?
  You can find your race finish and splits times by searching by your name or event bib number on the race results page.

  Will my results be mixed in with the other distances?
  No. The 8K Run and The Mile will have separate results pages. The 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event.

• VOLUNTEER FAQs

  How can I sign up to be a volunteer?
  Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more and register at shamrockshuffle.com/get-involved/volunteer-information.

  When can I register to be a volunteer?
  Volunteer registration for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is now open.

  Is there an age limit to volunteer?
  Volunteers must be 14 years or older on race day. Volunteers 14-17 years of age must have permission from their parent or legal guardian permitting them to volunteer at the race. This permission is given during the application process.