Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K traditionally opens Chicago's running calendar, and it returns to Chicago, Illinois, on March 21, 2027. The fast, flat 8K (5 miles) starts and finishes in Grant Park after looping the wide avenues of the Loop, reusing sections of the Chicago Marathon route and running alongside the Chicago River, dyed bright green for the occasion. A 2 Mile walk is offered alongside it. Bands and bagpipers line the course, and thousands of runners turn out in costume.

The 8K is an underrated racing distance: long enough to punish an over-eager start, short enough to run close to 10K effort throughout. Aim for a pace slightly slower than your 5K and hold it. As one of the largest 8Ks anywhere, the field is deep and the first mile is congested, so start in the right corral and be patient until the road opens up.