On March 15th, thousands of runners and walkers will meet up at McCall Waterfront Park, along with thousands more volunteers, spectators, vendors, and people who just can’t pass up a party. If you’re driving to the Shamrock Run Fest Portland, we recommend you make sure to look at all of the course maps so you know which roads will be closed.
Drop Off:
There is no specific drop-off location, but a good location to drop off to access the start line is at the intersection of SW 2nd Avenue and SW Pine St.
Road Closures:
Historically, all streets west of SW 1st Avenue will remain open all morning and accessible to vehicle traffic. If it mimics previous races, there will be a variety of road closures to consider:
- Naito Parkway, from Northwest Davis to Southwest Jefferson: Closed from 3:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- Southwest Naito Parkway, from Southwest Columbia to Southwest Barbur Boulevard: Closed from 7:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- Southwest Barbur Boulevard (southbound only), from Southwest Sheridan to Southwest Hamilton: Closed from 7:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Southwest Barbur Boulevard (southbound only), from Southwest Hamilton to Southwest Parkhill: Closed from 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Southwest Capitol Highway, from Southwest Barbur to Southwest Terwilliger: Closed from 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard (northbound only), from Southwest Capitol Highway to Southwest 6th Avenue: Closed from 7:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Naito Parkway/Front Avenue, from Northwest Everett to Northwest 26th Avenue: Closed from 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Parking:
If you aren’t getting dropped off, don’t mess around with time. Set that alarm and make a plan! If you drive, be sure to allow for 10-15 minutes walking (or perhaps a warm-up jog) from wherever you’re lucky enough to find a spot.
Public Transit:
If you’re able to take public transit, please do. It will be much, much better for everyone involved. MAX riders should get off at the SW 1st and Oak stop – but if you need a warm-up, why not hop off the train a little early and warm-up on your way to the start?
Getting to the Start:
The start for all races is on SW Naito at SW Pine, heading North. That means that thousands of people will be lined up on Naito to the south of SW Pine. If you are walking to the start area, you will find it easier to cross closer to the Salmon Fountain. Usually, the 5k kicks things off at 8a and the time spacing is much more forgiving than years ago (when races started near 7am – making for VERY early mornings).
Meet Ups:
Now that you’ve got what you need to make a good plan for getting to the race, make a plan for meeting back up with your friends if you get separated. Before the race, make sure you know what your buddies are wearing underneath their jacket or sweatshirt, so you can pick them out after they’ve shed their outer layers. Also, talk about your expected finish times, so you have an idea of when you’ll all be coming in.
For a reunion point, you can pick an intersection. However, make sure you specify the NE, NW, SE, or SW corner. And make sure it’s not too close to the finish at SW Salmon and SW Naito. Another good idea is to pick one of the many tents that will be set up in Waterfront Park – pick one with a unique color to make it easy to find from afar.
Afterwards:
And for after the race, skip the downtown hot spots and head to some further out of the way brunch spots either further west or in SE Portland. Restaurants are likely going to be slammed trying to accommodate thousands of participants. Make sure you pack a change of clothes and BE KIND!
