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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers
It's here! Our annual list of the year's best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.
The Shamrock Marathon course is flat and fast and a good choice for a PR (personal record) or BQ. Since some of the course is along the ocean, it can be windy.
The Shamrock Marathon was the 38th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 31st largest in 2022.
This year 10% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 12.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Shamrock Marathon the 132nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 38th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.68 ranks it as the 66th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in Virginia.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Shamrock Marathon a PR Score of 99.68. This PR Score ranks it as the 50th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Virginia.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Shamrock Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 31 feet (9m) Min Elevation: 6 feet (1m)
Stay local if traveling in so you can enjoy the events and location!!!
JB's review of 2023 Shamrock Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great Race, plenty of friendly spectators throughout the course, great after party.
Race Tips
If the wind is out of the North(which it typically is), the last 7 miles are going to be tough. Had a 19MPH wind hitting you front and center for the last 2 miles that you are on the boardwalk. Best strategy I saw was a group of 6 people all running single file towards the end taking turns up at the front of the pack. It would be beneficial if you had some friends in front of you to help break the wind.
Great -- Course begins on the main road (Atlantic Ave) in the center of most hotels, making it easy to walk to the start. The expo is at the Virginia Beach Convention Center: loads of space, and photo opportunities. The event centers around their sponsor Yuengling. They love their beer and their St. Patty's weekend festivities! Wear your GREEN!
Not so great -- They could use more snacks/food at aid stations. I think they were only 2-3. Water/Nuun aid was plentiful and often. Stations could use more trash cans to avoid a mess. The last comment, for the finish, it would be best if they handed the string bag first before receiving all of the goodies. I had to juggle everything.
Race Tips
The course is 90% flat. There is a semi-out and back on the back end that features a distinguished bridge. You'll be going up that sucker on miles 17 and 23.
This last comment is about wind direction (and this can change by year). We had a strong 20mph wind that gave us a tailwind from Mile 9 to 19 going southbound, but the return north to the finish is full headwind! Prepare for this on marathon weekend for any last-minute pacing adjustments.
I recommend staying at the hotel/lodgings near the course. The street is closed off, but arriving early helped in finding a great spot and leaving it there. Plan accordingly so you don't lose your parking space on an unnecessary errand.
Anonymous's review of 2023 Shamrock Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Nice Flat course, but terrible headwind the last 4 miles.
Easy town to navigate and vibe.
Race Tips
Expect late headwind during your last 10K, it will cost you 1-2 min.
Great race to run. Very well-organized and with a relatively flat course. It's just windy, which adds a little more challenge to the distance. Finishing up right next to the King Neptune statue is a treat.
After they weigh you down with swag and snacks after crossing the finish, you can go to the post-race party in a circus tent on the beach where they give out beer, soda and Irish Stew.
Race Tips
The course is mostly flat. The only real hill is a bridge you run up twice, by miles 15 and 23. It's windy, though. This year, like most, there was a nasty headwind from miles 18.5 through 26, though a nice tailwind from miles 8 - 18.5.
There's also a half marathon. Both races start at the same time and go through the first 12.5 miles together. Be careful not to get sucked into their pace.
There are at least two dozen hotels within half a mile of the finish. If you're willing to drive about a mile, there's at least 2 dozen more. And since it's a beach resort, prices tend to be reasonable in March. A good trick is to make a reservation with a cancellation policy, and then to keep monitoring sites for cheaper rates. Just realize that there's about a mile distance between the start and the finish, and if you stay near the start you'll likely be walking back into a headwind.
