Course Map
About this Race
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon is a pancake-flat course at Virginia Beach, finishing along the oceanfront boardwalk in a festive St. Patrick's-themed celebration. The completely level profile makes it a genuine personal-best and Boston-qualifying target, though the exposed coastal stretches can bring stiff wind into play. Held in March, it offers cool conditions and a lively seaside party atmosphere. The flat roads reward aggressive, even pacing when the wind cooperates. It suits the PB chaser who wants a fast coastal course and a celebratory boardwalk finish, weather permitting.
Course Insight
Shamrock is a flat, fast March marathon along the Virginia Beach oceanfront, festive and quick with Atlantic wind as its main variable. The level boardwalk-and-shore terrain leaves pacing discipline to you. A stiff sea breeze can build, so tuck into a pack on the exposed stretches. Cool coastal air suits fast running. Pace it evenly and the flat oceanfront route delivers a clean day.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 40m
- Elevation loss
- 37m
- Highest point
- 11m
- Lowest point
- 2m
- Net elevation
- +3m
- Start
- 42nd Street & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Race History
The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon traces its roots to the early 1970s at Virginia Beach, growing into a pancake-flat course finishing along the oceanfront boardwalk in a festive St. Patrick's celebration. Its completely level profile made it a genuine personal-best target, weather permitting. From its founding it became a beloved coastal tradition. Held each March, it draws a field to the lively seaside party.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Norfolk International (ORF), Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF)
- Best area to stay
- The Oceanfront boardwalk for proximity to the start/finish and sea-view hotels, Town Center for value options, and the quieter north end for residential stays.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at the Oceanfront on Atlantic Avenue; walk from boardwalk hotels, as everything centres on the seafront.