Chicago offers up activities for just about anybody. There are plenty of museums, tons of flavorful restaurants, and no shortage of shopping facilities. If you’ll be in Chicago around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for an activity a bit more physical than just walking around in a museum or from store to store, then maybe you should check out the Shamrock Shuffle.
The Shamrock Shuffle is held every March in downtown Chicago. The race is 8k—just under five miles—making it the perfect length for the veteran running enthusiast and the beginner alike. Winding along nearly the same route as the Chicago Marathon, the Shamrock Shuffle begins in Grant Park and finishes there as well, but not before taking participants along some of the best-known streets in downtown Chicago. The path is mainly a flat one, making the race easy for everyone, beginner or not, and the race is held in March (weather cooperating, of course) so participants can enjoy the race without the need for layers of extra clothing for warmth.
If you think the Shamrock Shuffle might be something fun to get into, then make sure you get registered early. Thousands of people take part in the race every year, so registering early is the best way to guarantee that you’ll be able to participate on race day. In the two days before the race, you’ll need to pick up a race packet which includes your race bib and tracking tag, among other items.
On race day, grab your bib and tracking tag and get to Grant Park early. Where you start will be determined on how fast you can run. The Shamrock Shuffle employees corrals containing blocks of participants, so be sure to arrive early enough to be able to find your starting point. Regarding your tracking tag and race bib, be sure the bib is displayed on your clothing in an easily readable manner. Attach the tracking tag tightly to one of your shoes.
Fore more information on Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle, stop by the official website at http://www.shamrockshuffle.com.
