Thousands of runners will descend on Chicago for the 2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K race this weekend, an annual event that kicks off outdoor running season in the city.
One week after the Chicago River was dyed green, the festive St. Patrick’s Day race will turn Chicago streets into a sea of green as runners decked out in their best shamrock running attire race through the city’s downtown.
But whether you’re running, watching or just planning to be in Chicago this weekend, there are some things you should know:
What time and when is the Shamrock shuffle?
The 2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is Sunday, March 22.
Wheelchair racers will begin the event starting at 8:20 a.m.
Wave 1 of the race will get underway at 8:30 a.m., with Wave 2 getting underway at 9 a.m.
The Shuffle also hosts a one-mile race on Saturday, allowing people of all abilities “to take part in a fun spring race that weaves through Chicago’s front yard, Grant Park.”
How long is the Shamrock Shuffle?
According to organizers, runners must be capable of finishing the race with an hour and 15 minutes, which means keeping a 15-minute per mile pace.
For the 2-mile walk, participants have one hour to finish and for The Mile event they have 20 minutes.
What is the race route?
The start line of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is located in Grant Park at the intersection of Monroe Drive and Columbus Drive.
The finish line is also located in Grant Park south of Balbo Drive on Columbus Drive.
Which streets will be closed and when?
Streets in and around Chicago’s Grant Park and Loop will be impacted by closures throughout the weekend.
According to Chicago officials, highly trafficked roads like Columbus Drive, Grand Avenue, State Street and Wacker Drive will also be closed as part of the race.
Some closures will be in place Saturday and additional closures will come Sunday.
A full list can be found here.
Can you stream the race live?
NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of the race beginning at 8:20 a.m. Sunday. Coverage will include in-race coverage, then will transition to finish line coverage at 8:45 a.m.
The station’s livestream, available on its website and the NBC Chicago app, will show runners crossing the finish line until 11 a.m.
Telemundo Chicago’s website and app will also offer streaming options.
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Where are the best places to cheer?
There are a number of designated “cheer zones” along the race route, many of which are associated with various running groups around the city.
The official zones include ones for:
Girls on the Run Chicago Mercy Home Heroes The Garage Chicago EDGE Athletics Family Style RC November Project Chicago Peace Runners 773 GRC Run Club Chingonas Run Chicago Viento Little Village Runners Club Chicago Area Runners Association LosGuaposSee a full map of cheer zones here.
Spectators and participants can also meet after the race at the Post-Race Party on the Buckingham Fountain plaza.
When can runners pick up their packets?
Runners will be able to pick up their packets at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.
The pick-up windows run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Runners will need their packets to receive their bib number and to race in the event.
What does the medal look like?
The medal for the Shamrock Shuffle 8k run and 2-mile walk is a round silver medal that says “Celebrating forty five years.”
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