The 37th annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle takes to the streets of downtown Chicago on April 3, serving as the year’s first major event. The race combines the lighthearted atmosphere of a fun run with the competition of serious event and the amenities of a world class race, making it an ideal way to kick off your season no matter your level of experience. Read on for all the information you need to know to make the most of race weekend.

Overview

The 8K (4.97-mile) race begins and ends in Grant Park on Sunday, April 3. As in years past, this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will feature a waved start with two separate waves based on competitor’s estimated finish time. Corrals open at 6:30 a.m. and Wave 1 will kick things off with an 8:30 a.m. start.

This year’s racecourse will follow the same route as last year, including the iconic stretch down State Street. Aid stations at mile 1.8 and mile 3.5 will offer lemon-lime Gatorade, water, medical support and toilet facilities.

After finishing on Columbus Drive, runners can collect their one-of-a-kind sparkly finisher medal and bottle opener to show off their success at the race. The Post-Race Party at Buckingham Fountain opens after the race and features live music. Participants of age can redeem the drink ticket on their bib for one Michelob ULTRA. The Post-Race Party ends at 1:30 p.m., but runners can keep celebrating at The Scout (1301 S. Wabash) from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., where showing their bib will earn them another free Michelob ULTRA for those 21 and over.

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Packet Pick-Up

All runners will need to pick up their participant packet and bag at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Health & Fitness Expo. This year, the Health & Fitness Expo will take place at McCormick Place in Hall F of the West Building on Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available at the McCormick Place Parking Lot A for $10. Participant packets and bags include your bib number, participant shirt and timing device.

Packet pick-up is not available on race day, but if you can’t make it to the Health & Fitness Expo, another person can pick up your packet as long as he or she has a copy of your Participant Confirmation Ticket.

Race Day

Grant Park is easy to reach through public transportation, but if you do drive, you can park in the Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages.

Whether you drive or take public transportation, be sure to arrive to Grant Park in time to check your gear and enter your start corral.

This year’s course has runners starting by heading north on Columbus to Grand Avenue before turning west to State Street. After completing a mile on this famous Chicago thoroughfare, runners will go west again on Jackson Boulevard to LaSalle Street. The course then heads north to Randolph Street before turning south on Franklin Street. Participants will follow Franklin to Harrison Street, where they will run east to Michigan Avenue and take Michigan south to Roosevelt Road to tackle the infamous end-of-the-course incline before heading to the finish line.