Now in its 53rd year, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend unfolds March 14–16, 2025, offering a St. Paddy’s Day-themed running festival in Virginia Beach. The weekend begins with the 8K on Saturday and continues on Sunday with both the Half Marathon and Marathon, followed by the festive Final Mile for kids. The courses are USATF-certified and notably flat, making them ideal for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifiers. All races finish with a beachside celebration featuring Yuengling beer, live music, expo events, and a fun, festive St. Patrick’s atmosphere.
Races
50 km
Marathon
29 km
Half Marathon
8 km
Race Date:
21 March, 2026
Participants tackle the 8K on March 21, 2026, and the full Shamrock Marathon on March 22, 2026, for a total of 50.195 km across the weekend. Hosted by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, the Whale Challenge rewards runners with a unique finisher medal and swag for completing both scenic, certified seaside races.
Race Date:
22 March, 2026
Held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Shamrock Marathon starts near the Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the iconic boardwalk under the Neptune statue. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, this USTAF/AIMS certified, flat and fast course offers PR potential and a festive finish-line party with live music and Yuengling beer.
Race Date:
21 March, 2026
Runners complete the TowneBank Shamrock 8K on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026, to earn the Dolphin Challenge bonus medal. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this two-day weekend challenge offers runners extra motivation and festive oceanfront racing.
Race Date:
22 March, 2026
Also on March 22, 2026, the Half Marathon follows the same scenic oceanfront route as the full, offering flat coastal terrain and medal-worthy ambiance. This race, hosted by J&A Racing, is ideal for first-timers and seasoned runners alike.
Race Date:
21 March, 2026
Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the 8 K race features a certified, fast-paced loop along the Virginia Beach shoreline. Organized by J&A Racing, it’s perfect for runners seeking a shorter yet festive experience.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
Participants tackle the 8K on March 21, 2026, and the full Shamrock Marathon on March 22, 2026, for a total of 50.195 km across the weekend. Hosted by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, the Whale Challenge rewards runners with a unique finisher medal and swag for completing both scenic, certified seaside races.
The Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge is 50km long.
The Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
Participants tackle the 8K on March 21, 2026, and the full Shamrock Marathon on March 22, 2026, for a total of 50.195 km across the weekend. Hosted by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, the Whale Challenge rewards runners with a unique finisher medal and swag for completing both scenic, certified seaside races.
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
The Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge is 50km long.
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge take place?
The Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Whale Challenge?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
Held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Shamrock Marathon starts near the Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the iconic boardwalk under the Neptune statue. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, this USTAF/AIMS certified, flat and fast course offers PR potential and a festive finish-line party with live music and Yuengling beer.
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon is 42km long.
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
Held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Shamrock Marathon starts near the Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the iconic boardwalk under the Neptune statue. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, this USTAF/AIMS certified, flat and fast course offers PR potential and a festive finish-line party with live music and Yuengling beer.
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon take place?
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
Runners complete the TowneBank Shamrock 8K on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026, to earn the Dolphin Challenge bonus medal. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this two-day weekend challenge offers runners extra motivation and festive oceanfront racing.
The Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge is 29km long.
The Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
Runners complete the TowneBank Shamrock 8K on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026, to earn the Dolphin Challenge bonus medal. Organized by J&A Racing / Yuengling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this two-day weekend challenge offers runners extra motivation and festive oceanfront racing.
How long is the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
The Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge is 29km long.
Where does the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge take place?
The Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
Runna classifies the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Yuengling Shamrock Dolphin Challenge?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
How long is the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
Where does the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
Also on March 22, 2026, the Half Marathon follows the same scenic oceanfront route as the full, offering flat coastal terrain and medal-worthy ambiance. This race, hosted by J&A Racing, is ideal for first-timers and seasoned runners alike.
The Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
Also on March 22, 2026, the Half Marathon follows the same scenic oceanfront route as the full, offering flat coastal terrain and medal-worthy ambiance. This race, hosted by J&A Racing, is ideal for first-timers and seasoned runners alike.
How long is the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
The Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon take place?
The Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Sentara Shamrock Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
How long is the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
Where does the TowneBank Shamrock 8K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
How can I prepare for the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the 8 K race features a certified, fast-paced loop along the Virginia Beach shoreline. Organized by J&A Racing, it’s perfect for runners seeking a shorter yet festive experience.
The TowneBank Shamrock 8K is 8km long.
The TowneBank Shamrock 8K takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the TowneBank Shamrock 8K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the 8 K race features a certified, fast-paced loop along the Virginia Beach shoreline. Organized by J&A Racing, it’s perfect for runners seeking a shorter yet festive experience.
How long is the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
The TowneBank Shamrock 8K is 8km long.
Where does the TowneBank Shamrock 8K take place?
The TowneBank Shamrock 8K takes place in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
Runna classifies the TowneBank Shamrock 8K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the TowneBank Shamrock 8K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
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Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
Kid friendly
