CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Runners are creating their own routes for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle this weekend since the annual event is being held virtually for the second straight year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers cancelled last year’s Shuffle just days before thousands of runners in green were to take off from Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowsk told WBBM they’ve taken things online so runners runners are doing the 8K, two-mile walk or a one-mile run.
“There are a lot of people out there with some options wearing the green and keeping the tradition going,” Pinkowski said.
Whether it’s to relieve stress or get healthy, Pinkowski said many people have turned to running during the pandemic.
“I think if there’s an upside to it is that running has continued during this very challenging time,” Pinkowski said.
He said about 8,000 people signed up for the race this year held any time over the weekend.