Two distinct types of runners traditionally compete in the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, according to executive race director Carey Pinkowski.
One group has trained through the elements all winter with sights set on running in Boston or other spring marathons. Then there’s the group ready to begin again at 9:30 a.m. Sunday from Grant Park as part of the 23rd annual event.
“They haven’t done much of anything, and this race really becomes a wake-up call,” said Pinkowski with a laugh. “It gives the race a couple different perspectives. But the Shamrock started off as a fun sort of Chicago event. Despite some national and international exposure and visibility, we have tried to keep it that way.”
Making the race authentic Chicago is the spring forecast for 42 degrees, strong winds and a chance of snow flurries. But the weather hasn’t slowed down registration, with more than 17,000 runners expected for the world’s largest 8-kilometer (4.97 miles) field. Last year’s 16,582 entrants was a record.
Shaun Creighton will defend his men’s title, while past champs Marian Sutton, Mark Coogan and John Kariuki also compete. Kathy Butler, last year’s women’s winner and race record-holder, will compete instead in the world cross-country championships in Ireland.
