Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk Course Revealed

The annual St. Patrick's Day event in Chicago's downtown will bring thousands of participants next weekend.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:22am

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The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day run and walk, will take place on March 22nd. Participants can choose between an 8K run or a 2-mile walk, both starting in Grant Park. The run route heads past the Chicago River, while the walk follows the Lakefront Trail.

Why it matters

The Shamrock Shuffle is a popular annual event that kicks off the spring running season in Chicago. It's also the first event in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, which awards a special medal to runners who complete the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon in the same year.

The details

Runners and walkers will start at different times throughout the morning, with the first wave of runners stepping off at 8:30 a.m. and the first walkers at 9:30 a.m. The 8K run route roughly follows the outline of a shamrock, while the 2-mile walk stays along the Lakefront Trail.

  • The Shamrock Shuffle will take place on March 22, 2026.
  • The first wave of runners will start at 8:30 a.m.
  • The first wave of walkers will start at 9:30 a.m.

The players

Bank of America

The title sponsor of the Shamrock Shuffle event.

Chicago Distance Series

A series of running events in Chicago that awards a special medal to participants who complete the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the Chicago 13.1, and the Chicago Marathon in the same year.

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What’s next

Runners and walkers can still register for the Shamrock Shuffle on the event's website.

The takeaway

The Shamrock Shuffle is a beloved annual tradition that kicks off the spring running season in Chicago. Whether you're participating or cheering on the sidelines, the event is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the city's vibrant running community.