SB Nation Chicago - 2011 Chicago Shamrock Shufflehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2011-04-10T22:24:23-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18538292011-04-10T22:24:23-05:002011-04-10T22:24:23-05:002011 Shamrock Shuffle: Wrap Up
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<p>A balmy 68 degrees welcomed runners to Grant Park this morning for the 2011 Shamrock Shuffle – quite a change from the last few years where we woke to bitter temperatures and near blizzard conditions. Elite runners Amy Yoder Begley and Simon Bairu triumphed over the largest field in event history.</p>
<p>A record number of runners took off at 9 a.m. sharp pounding through the city streets like leprechauns with an extra shot of espresso in their morning latte ! The crazy running costumes really is part of what creates such the fun atmosphere for this race year after year, rain or snow or shine. Some runners even mixed the traditional St. Patty’s garb with bunny ears since the event shifted to a date closer to Easter this year. One thing is for sure, fun was had by all and the post-race party did not disappoint.</p>
<p>The entertainment was rockin’, but the real spectacle was our very own Chicago skyline on a picture perfect morning. It really was nice to actually hang around after the race and meet up with friends without huddling around each other for heat.</p>
<p>Speaking of heat, the team competitions were also hot this year. The Wisconsin Runners took the Men’s Elite Club title and Runablaze Iowa the women’s. The Red Open divisions were topped by Dick Pond Fast Track Saucony – <span class="caps">SPEED</span> for the men, and the Fleet Feet Nike Racing Team for the women. The Open Blue division was won by Dick Pond Fast Track Saucony – We Run.</p>
<p>I’ve gotta say, I wondered why the race was moved so far ahead as springtime (heck anytime) in Chicago is so unpredictable weather-wise, but I’ve gotta say, today was one of the best races I have run and if it means wearing bunny ears for the Shamrock Shuffle, then so be it !</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/4/10/2103328/2011-shamrock-shuffle-wrap-upSue Land2011-04-08T22:23:26-05:002011-04-08T22:23:26-05:002011 Shamrock Shuffle: Expo And Update
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<span class="caps">EVENT</span> <span class="caps">ALERT</span> <span class="caps">SYSTEM</span> IS <span class="caps">YELLOW</span> / <span class="caps">MODERATE</span> **</li>
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<p>Navy Pier’s Festival Hall ‘A’ opened this morning to anxious and enthusiastic runners heading to the Shamrock Shuffle Health and Fitness Expo to pick up their race packets and goody bags. The Expo showcases more than 75 vendors and charity partners and the always popular Nike Run Lucky store.</p>
<p><br> It is a great opportunity to check out the latest and greatest in running and hook up with running buddies before the big race on Sunday.</p>
<p>Most of us have had a keen eye on the weather this week and while it is still up for grabs what we’ll see Sunday for the race one thing is for sure, it is likely we will have seen better, and worse, conditions! We’ll be at the starting line with our friends ready to bust out that first great race of the year and at finish with one of the best post race parties of the season.</p>
<p>The Expo is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a free bike valet is offered this year, for the race too! Remember, there is no race day packet pick-up so get over to Navy Pier Saturday if you haven’t already. Incidentally, I’ll be working packet pick-up from 2:30p until close. Stop by and say ‘hi’.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/4/8/2100015/2011-shamrock-shuffle-expo-and-updateSue Land2011-04-04T07:00:58-05:002011-04-04T07:00:58-05:002011 Shamrock Shuffle Preview
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<p>The 32nd annual Shamrock Shuffle will take place next Sunday, April 10. Known as the kick-off to the outdoor running season for Chicago area runners, the eighth largest road race in the world reached the 40,000 registered participant capacity in record time this year.</p>
<p>The event typically takes place in mid-March (hence, the Shamrock affiliation) but has been moved this year for some reason. It may be because the for last several years, the race has been run in insanely bad weather. </p>
<p>The Shamrock Shuffle is a popular race for many reasons besides jump-starting the running season. Its sheer size contributes to an overall party atmosphere on and off the course. The Shamrock Shuffle Health and Fitness Expo, where runners pick up their race packets, also provides opportunity for all to visit vendor booths and charity sponsors. The Expo is held at Navy Pier, and what better way to kick-off a party in Chicago!</p>
<p>On the serious side, the elite field includes Olympian Amy Yoder and national record holder Simon Bairu. Elite Club teams as well as Open Teams compete for prize money and bragging rights. Competitors and recreational runners alike enjoy the festive atmosphere provided by this event. </p>
<p>Several charities are associated with this long standing event. $2 from each race entry, along with a dollar-for-dollar match from Bank of America, will be donated to benefit Chicago-based youth running initiatives. Many runners train and run for several other affiliated charities.</p>
<p>I have participated in this race for several years now, through the good weather and the bad and look forward to all the event has to bring. While the course can tend to be a little crowded, there is a corral system for past participants as well as time qualifying corrals, so if you want to run this race for time, I would highly recommend it.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/4/4/2332714/2011-shamrock-shuffle-previewSue Land