When I first learned about Shamrock Run, it was as the start of the official racing season and one of the largest running events on the west coast. Now I will always think of it as the race that proves we are still here. Shamrock Run 2020 was one of the first major events to be cancelled due to COVID-19. And participating in the race in March 2024, I was reminded of all the fear of that time and all the joy that comes from being with other crazy people who got up way too early on a Sunday morning.
After a few years going for the 5K distance, I switched to the 15K because of less crowds and a horrible mountain that I felt so good once it was done. Apparently this year is the final year for the 15K race distance so I’m probably going to choose the half marathon in 2025 because I just can’t quit Terwilliger. Please send thoughts and prayers to my knees in March 2025.
It was a gorgeous spring day for Shamrock Run 2024. The heat would eventually get into the 70s so most folks were in shorts or t-shirts, sharing some wintery skin to the world for the first time in months. After a few miles with a friend the day before, I knew that long-sleeves would only be needed while waiting for the starting line. Luckily the start is where I met up with a friend who kept me company for the first three miles of the event.
The marketing materials like to highlight that the 15K is primarily downhill after the 5.5 mile mark. What they fail to mention is all the uphill you have to go through first. I always look forward to spotting a band in kilts that marks the top of the highest hill. Their spot under flowered trees is just a beautiful sight for exhausted eyes.
After that mid-ish-point, the course is primarily downhill, but there are still some “bumps” in the road. I also felt like there were far fewer aid stations than this runner would have liked as the temperature kept going up and the sun shined down. One aid station about a mile from the finish was on the opposite side of the road. Somehow even that small deviation felt too far and I had to keep going forward (hoping for a water bottle along with my medal).
The finish line was a bustle of energy as 5K, 8K, 15K, and half marathon participants were crossing. Water bottles were available right away, with medals later on in the finisher chute. I loved that the medal this year was not only a bottle opener, but also a fidget spinner in the middle. After 15K (aka 9.3 miles), a tiny spinning object is magical.
It was also pretty magical to walk with the Shamrock Stride participants for a portion of their 1-mile event because they were headed to my pick-up spot. Lots of laughter, feathers, and glitter surrounded these folks on a lovely Sunday morning stroll. Maybe the mountain can skip a year to join these happy (and wise) folks.
Guess I’ll have to sign up for 2025 to decide.