CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — St. Patrick’s Day is over, but there will be thousands of people wearing green and celebrating in the Loop this weekend.
Organizers of the 42nd annual Shamrock Shuffle, which takes place this Sunday, said they expect to see pre-pandemic-sized crowds with 26,000 people already signed up for the 8K run and two-mile walk.
“I think you have [a wide] spectrum of runners,” said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “We have a lot of people who may be [in] their first race, so we’re welcoming them.”
He’s not only running the shuffle but also running in it to raise money for Students Run Chicago, a non-profit that mentors high school students in running and life.
Pinkowski said the event draws runners eager to start the season with some fun, as well as plenty of serious racers who use it as a tune up ahead of next month’s Boston Marathon. In Chicago, the Shamrock Shuffle is the first of three Bank of America races.
Those who complete the shuffle, the half marathon in June and the marathon in October will get a special Chicago Distance Series medal, as well as entry into next year’s marathon, Pinkowski said.
Packet pickup for runners and walkers is Friday and Saturday at Buckingham Fountain.
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