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.
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!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
Kid friendly
