2023 VOLUNTEER & EVENT STAFF GUIDE
SECTION 1 | EVENT INFORMATION
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s classic road races that kick-starts the city from a season of hibernation to a season of movement. Whether in rain, snow, sunshine or under cloudy skies, thousands of runners turn the city green as they journey through the Loop and cross the finish line. We are excited for you to join the Shamrock Shuffle tradition as we continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago running community and individuals like you who bring the spirit of the Shamrock Shuffle to life.
We encourage you to read through all the information in this section, as well as the section specific to your race day role. If you have any questions about the event after reading the guide, please reach out to your event contact or email eventstaff@cemevent.com or volunteer@shamrockshuffle.com.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Virtual 8K
Friday, March 24
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Packet Pick-up Grant Park
Saturday, March 25
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Packet Pick-up Grant Park
The Mile
Grant Park (Ida B. Wells Drive, between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive)
8:00 a.m. Bib and t-shirt pick-up opens
9:30 a.m. Gear check opens 11:00 a.m. Race start 11:40 a.m. Awards ceremony 12:00 p.m. Gear check closes
9:00 a.m. Wave 2 race start
9:15 a.m. Walk Wave closes
9:30 a.m. Walk Wave race start
9:30 a.m. Live music begins at the Post-Race Party
12:00 p.m. Gear check closes
12:30 p.m. Beer ticket sales end
1:00 p.m. Post-Race Party ends
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Medical emergency: 312.781.6408 or 9-1-1
Event Support: 312.500.8901
Lost person: 312.781.6415
Media Inquiries: 312.201.4052
Volunteer customer service: 312.796.8392
Race Office support: 312.725.2945
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the most economical and convenient way to travel throughout race weekend. The CTA offers a variety of ways to get to and from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle start and finish areas in Grant Park and spectator viewing areas along the course. Visit transitchicago.com for more information.
METRA TRAIN SERVICE
Event staff and volunteers can take advantage of Metra’s $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Pass, good for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday. In addition, the $10 Weekend Pass (available on the Ventra app only) is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days. If you plan to take Metra, please review the train schedule in advance of race weekend to ensure the schedule aligns with your event shift. Visit metra.com for more information.
SOUTH SHORE LINE
Event staff and volunteers are encouraged to take the South Shore Line race weekend. The South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago with stops along the way. Park your car at one of the convenient South Shore Line stations and ride in comfort to Grant Park. If you plan to take the South Shore Line, please review the train schedule in advance of race weekend to ensure the schedule aligns with your event shift. Visit mysouthshoreline. com for more information.
GRANT PARK PARKING
Millennium Garages offer the closest parking options to Grant Park at the Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Millennium Lakeside garages. Attendees are encouraged to reserve parking in advance of race weekend to take advantage of a variety of discounted rates. To access discounted rates, visit https://millenniumgarages.com/2023-bank-of-america-shamrock-shuffle
MEDIA INFORMATION
As a uniformed and credentialed volunteer, please do not speak to any member of the media on behalf of the event, or comment on any aspect of the event. If you are approached by a member of the media, please respond by saying, “I am not an approved spokesperson for the event,” and provide them with the following number to contact a member of the event’s media relations staff: 312.201.4052.
LOST & FOUND
Lost and found items will be collected throughout race weekend. If you are looking for an item that was lost, please go to the nearest information tent for more information to confirm if your item was turned into the event lost and found.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is proud to have been named a Gold Inspire event by the Council for Responsible Sport in 2018 for the event’s incorporation of environmentally and socially responsible practices. Through this program, the Shamrock Shuffle will work with events throughout the country to share best practices, as well as integrate new sustainability initiatives. At the 2023 event, we encourage you to join us as we work to improve our efforts and reduce our footprint. You can help by returning your credentials and correctly disposing of your waste. Thank you for helping to make the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle a more sustainable event!
EVENT RULES
All participants must follow the official event rules of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, which are posted on the event website at shamrockshuffle.com/rules. Event rules should be reviewed in their entirety before race weekend.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNER
VENDOR PARTNERS
Blue Plate
Divvy
haku
iTAB
Jewel-Osco
Mamava
MarathonFoto
MUSH Overnight Oats
My Custom Sports Chair
Native
Polar Beverages
StretchLab
That’s It
Verse Chocolate
SECTION 2 | SAFETY & SECURITY EVENT ALERT SYSTEM
The color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of race conditions leading up to and on race day. EAS levels range from Low (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) to High (Red) to Extreme (Black) based primarily on weather, as well as other conditions.
• Email and website communication during race week will inform you of the current EAS level and provide race weekend preparation tips.
• Updates will be made at Packet Pick-up via public address announcements and color-coded signs.
• On race day, stay tuned to the current EAS level via public address announcements, radio updates and colorcoded signs/flags at the start and finish areas and at each of the aid stations along the course.
• If necessary, additional emergency information will be communicated via email and/or text message.
Familiarize yourself with the Event Alert System prior to race day, remain alert for directions from race officials, announcers and group leaders and take precautions to prepare properly for varying conditions on race day.
HEALTH POLICY
Creating a safe environment on race weekend is everyone’s responsibility. You can contribute to the overall safety of the event by reviewing and following the information outlined below.
• If you have tested positive or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of the event, please do not participate in or attend the event until you have met all recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding quarantine and isolation.
• If you feel sick or experience symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., a fever of 100.4F or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain/achiness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) you should self-isolate and not participate in event activities or enter event venues while symptomatic. We encourage individuals experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 to get tested and consult a medical professional for additional guidance.
• All attendees must adhere to local and state COVID-19 guidelines and mandates as of the event date. This includes but is not limited to face masks and following quarantine advisories.
• Please follow best practices on personal hygiene, including regular handwashing (vigorous handwashing with water and soap for 20 seconds or application of hand sanitizer consisting of at least 60% alcohol), avoiding touching the eyes, mouth or nose, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Individuals who are considered “high risk,” which includes but is not limited to underlying cardiac and pulmonary conditions as well as individuals with immunocompromised states, should consult with their physician and/or reconsider attending or participating in the event.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical support is available at on-course aid stations. Medical tents are indicated by tall, red, blade signs with the medical icon. Each medical tent is staffed by a team of medical professionals, is equipped with emergency and first aid supplies and has access to ambulance service.
In Grant Park, the Main Medical Tent is located directly beyond the finish line. For the safety of all participants, volunteers and event staff, only those requiring medical assistance may access the medical facilities. If you feel like you need medical assistance on race day, you are encouraged to seek help from a medical volunteer or visit a medical tent in Grant Park or on course.
Lend a hand, save a life! Participants, volunteers and event staff are encouraged to watch an instructional Hands only CPR video in advance of race weekend. This training is critical and can be lifesaving.
LOST PERSON INSTRUCTIONS
In the event you find a lost child/person or are approached by a parent/guardian of a lost child/person, the following steps are to be followed:
1. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you.
2. Spend a reasonable amount of time (approximately 2 minutes) checking the surroundings to see if a connection can be made.
3. If you are not at an information tent, walk with child/person or parent/guardian to the nearest information tent.
4. Once at the information tent, the information tent coordinator will place a call to 312.781.6415.
5. Keep the child/person or parent/guardian with you and inform them that the appropriate personnel have been notified through the Monterrey Security network throughout Grant Park.
6. Do not communicate information by radio unless instructed by Grant Park Logistics to communicate over the dedicated Lost Child Channel. Do not relay details about the child over a radio or PA system without permission from Grant Park Logistics. When you call, speak slowly and clearly and provide as much information as possible (see Lost Child Documentation Form).
7. The information tent coordinator will communicate with an event staff member who will work directly with a Monterrey Security team member to document the situation. They will log all details into the Monterrey Security online system for detail tracking and follow up reporting. The Monterrey Security online system will have information if the lost child or parent/guardian has already been communicated to our team from the other party elsewhere in the park.
8. Monterrey Security will broadcast the information to their network of staff throughout Grant Park.
9. An additional Monterrey Security Guard will be deployed to the information tent to provide additional assistance.
10. If a parent/guardian insists on continuing to search the park, send a Monterrey Security representative, who is connected to the Monterrey network working on establishing the reconnection, with the parent.
11. Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian, Monterrey Security or law enforcement official will request to see identification prior to releasing the child/person. A Monterrey Security Guard must be present, and Monterrey must document the exchange to close the case.
CARE GUIDELINES
• No food or drink should be offered, except for plain water in case of allergies
• Staff should kneel or sit while talking to child to create a sense of comfort
• Staff should speak in a calm, quiet and soft voice to limit alarm or frightening the child
• Dispatch a security guard based on current location using identified light pole #, tent name or another landmark
• Upon reuniting the child/person and parent/guardian a Monterrey security guard or law enforcement official must be present
RUNNER DOWN
• Scene safety - Make sure YOU are safe
• If it is not safe, what can you do to make it safer?
• Notice where you are: (location, address, street corner, light pole number).
• Notice the position of the runner (lying down, sitting, standing) and whether conscious, breathing, and moving.
• If sick/injured person is a part of the event (runner, spectator, staff, volunteer, vendor), call the Medical Emergency number (312.781.6408) to request help. Be prepared to identify the participant by bib number. After two unsuccessful tries to reach the Medical Emergency number, call 9-1-1.
• Start CPR if necessary and apply AED if present.
• If sick/injured person is not participating in or a part of event, or if injury occurs outside of race hours, call 9-1-1 directly.
CPR AND AED USAGE
AEDs are located in all medical facilities (main medical tents and on-course medical tents) on race day.
How to operate an AED:
1. Turn the AED on by opening the front cover and pressing the power button.
2. The AED will talk to you and give you detailed instructions.
3. Follow the directions of the AED.
4. You can never hurt a patient by using an AED.
How to do Hands-Only CPR:
• If a runner collapses and is unconscious first call for help.
• Begin chest compressions by putting your hands in the center of the chest
• Push down in the center of the chest hard and fast.
• Push about two inches deep at a rate of 100 per minute until help comes.
Tip: If counting the compressions is too tough, try compressing to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive.”
UNATTENDED PACKAGES
If you see an unattended bag or package, follow the three “C’s.”
• Claim: Ask if anyone in the area claims the item. If no one claims it, then go to the next step.
• Cop: Tell the nearest police officer about the bag. If there isn’t a police officer nearby, then go to the next step.
• Call: If there isn’t a police officer is nearby, call (312.781.6415). If you cannot reach this number after two attempts, call 9-1-1.
Do not touch package or attempt to move the package. Quietly move people away from package without causing a disruption or panic.
ACTIVE THREAT
In the event that an active threat is in your vicinity, follow the steps below:
• Run: Have an escape route and plan in mind, leave your belongings behind and keep your hands visible.
• Hide: Hide in an area out of view, block entry to your hiding place and silence your mobile devices.
• Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, act. Attempt to stop the threat using physical aggression and/or creating a distraction by throwing items.
Call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
Provide law enforcement or 9-1-1 operator the following information:
• Location of the threat
• Physical description of individual(s)
• Number and type of weapons held by individual(s)
• Number of potential victims at the location
When law enforcement arrives:
• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets).
• Raise hands and spread fingers.
• Keep hands visible at all times.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating.
EVACUATION PLANS
Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and/or event organizers. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility.
• Follow the directions of the Chicago Police Department or event organizers.
• If you are in immediate danger, evacuate to a safe location.
• If you self-evacuate or are part of a larger evacuation, once you are safe, call Event Support (312.500.8901).
RACE PAUSE PROCEDURES
If a dangerous course condition arises resulting in a decision by Chicago Police Department and event organizers to implement a race pause, follow these procedures when instructed by the event organizers from the Forward Command facility:
• Aid station personnel in the affected area will pull a rope with red banner flags and barricades across the race course and instruct available aid station members and course marshals to stand on the course holding the rope to halt oncoming runners. Stop signs and bullhorns are in aid station supply crates and will be used to help stop runners.
• The DJ/PA announcer will make announcements to notify participants of the stop and hold.
• HAM radio operators, located in the Medical Tent, will be responsible for changing EAS flags.
• Event Alert System (EAS) course condition flags in the affected area will be changed to BLACK.
• Once runners are stopped, medical volunteers will scan the crowd for runners requiring medical assistance.
RACE DIVERSION
A race diversion is a change in the race route due to a dangerous condition on the roadway. This would occur after a race pause and only in the direction of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). There are two types of diversions. A race re-direct is a short change in the course around a problem area that brings runners back to the original course after a few blocks. A race re-route is a larger course change that utilizes a new route. To implement a race diversion:
• CPD and event organizers will work closely to minimize race disruption while maintaining safety.
• Event organizers and CPD will review new route for security and safety. CPD will issue instructions to police commanders. Event organizers will issue instructions to race officials (aid station captains/leaders, zone managers, etc.) through the radio dispatch team in the Forward Command facility. Race officials will communicate these instructions to event staff and volunteers.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Wheeled devices are not permitted on the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, 2-Mile Walk or The Mile course by anyone other than registered and authorized wheelchair participants, duo team participants and authorized course marshals on bicycles. Prohibited wheeled devices include unauthorized wheelchairs, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled devices.
The use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts or rigs, video devices, computers, drones, unmanned aerial devices, or any similar devices by anyone while participating in the event is prohibited.
The use of music devices is permitted during the race; however, in keeping with USATF rules for championship races, athletes competing for overall awards or prize money may not use music or communication devices during the event.
The use of cell phones, cameras or similar devices by participants while in the event is discouraged, and event officials reserve the right to disqualify any participant using such devices who pose a safety hazard on the course. Additional prohibited items on the course route include but are not limited to: large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags), hard-sided coolers, props and non-running equipment, including flagpoles and sticks, pets/animals (except service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote controlled aircrafts and drones.
Please note, any items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated at the sole discretion of security personnel.
SECTION 3 | INFORMATION VOLUNTEERS INFORMATION VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
You will report to your zone coordinator throughout your volunteer shift. They will likely pair you up with another volunteer and instruct you on where to position yourself. The role of Grant Park information volunteers is to serve as a source of information for participants and spectators in Grant Park. If you do not know how to answer a question, please direct the individual to the nearest of the information tents positioned throughout Grant Park. If you have or see any issues, please seek out your zone coordinator, who will radio to dispatch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTONS
You will likely interact with many race participants throughout your volunteer shift. Please do your best to answer any questions they might have.
PACKET PICK-UP FAQS
What are the hours of operation for Packet Pick-up?
• Friday, March 24: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I forgot my packet pick-up ticket email OR I lost my bib number. What should I do?
Go to the Participant Services desk and a member of the event team will work with you to get your issue resolved.
I’m picking up a bib on behalf of a friend. Where should I go?
Participant Packet Pick-up is in the tent located on the south side of Buckingham Fountain. You must present your friend’s packet pick-up ticket email to receive their participant packet, participant bag, Nike participant shirt and festive knit hat.
I got my race packet. Where do I pick up my t-shirt and participant bag?
T-shirt and participant bag pick-up is available in the tent on the south side of Buckingham Fountain.
Is there an area to exchange my participant t-shirt for a different size?
Yes, the t-shirt exchange is located in the tent on the south side of Buckingham Fountain.
Are there food and/or beverage stands available at Buckingham Fountain?
Food and beverage sales will be available throughout the weekend. During Packet Pick-up food sales will be available and beverages sales will be available on Friday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (beverage sales on Friday will be from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drink tickets can be purchased for $8.
*You must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages.
Where is the timing system? How will I get timed?
The timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number. Important: Do not remove the timing device from your bib or fold it in any way. Wearing your bib improperly could result in improper scoring and possible disqualification. Your time will be recorded from the point that you cross the timing mats at the start line until you cross the timing mats at the finish line.
PRE-RACE PARTICIPANT FAQs
Which gear check should I use and where is it?
There are two main gear check facilities for participants, red and blue. Gear check for walk participants will be at the end of the blue gear check and will have green signage. Gear check for The Mile will take place at blue gear check. Additionally, participants with white bibs will check their gear at the Elite Club tent. Refer to the gear check map on the information volunteer map for directions to all gear check locations.
I am late, what should I do?
Do not panic. If you are in Wave 1 and the field has not advanced, you can start at the back of Corral D. If Wave 1 is advancing, runners can wait and start in Corral H.
I am late, can you take my bag to gear check for me?
For security reasons, volunteers CANNOT take baggage for a participant under any circumstances. Bags must be checked at a gear check tent. Any bags left unattended will be removed from Grant Park and will not be made available to the participant.
Can I get water/Gatorade before the race?
Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime) and water are available near your assigned gear check.
Where can I get safety pins or other runner supplies?
You can find safety pins and other supplies at the pre-race supplies tent near each gear check facility.
I don’t have my event-issued clear plastic bag. Where can I get one, so I can check my gear?
Additional bags can be found at the pre-race supply tent near each gear check facility.
Which start corral should I be in?
Check your bib. The letter listed before your event number indicates your start corral.
I lost my bib. What can I do?
Replacement bibs are not available, and you cannot access your start corral or the course without an official race bib. If you choose to participate without an official bib, you will be pulled off the race course when spotted without a valid race bib.
Can I run with a friend/change my corral?
No, you cannot move to another start corral, neither in front of nor behind your assigned corral. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the start corral system, the capacity of the corrals and to ensure a fluid race start for all participants.
I registered for the 2-Mile Walk; can I switch to the 8K Run?
No, participants who signed up for the 2-Mile Walk are not allowed to compete in the 8K Run.
I registered for the 8K Run; can I switch to the 2-Mile Walk?
Yes, participants who signed up for the 8K Run can opt to participate in the 2-Mile Walk at the back of Wave 2 instead of the run. Please note, the walk is an untimed event.
I signed up to have my bib number mailed to me, but never received it, or I need to exchange my shirt. What should I do?
Please go to the Harrison Information Tent near the Blue Gear Check Tent. Volunteers there will be able to assist you. Refer to the map on page 10 for directions.
*Please note this service is only available to participants who paid to have their bib number mailed to them.
COURSE & TIMING FAQS
What amenities are available on course?
Two aid stations are located along the course. Each aid station offers Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.
The 2-Mile Walk will have one on-course aid station offering water and toilet facilities.
Is there a course time limit?
Participants must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace for the 8K Run and a 30:00/mile pace for the 2-Mile Walk. Participants must complete the full event distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 1 hour and 15 minutes (hh:mm:ss/1:15:59) for the 8K Run and 1 hour (hh:mm:ss/1:00:59) for the 2-Mile Walk. Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. Runners who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers.
Where can I find my race results today?
Complete race results will be posted online at shamrockshuffle.com. Questions regarding race results should be emailed to results@shamrockshuffle.com.
Are there awards?
All participants will receive a finisher medal upon completion of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. The top finishers in each age group will receive an engraved award. Men, women and non-binary: 14 and under, 15-19, 2024, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90 and over.
SPECTATOR FAQS
Public transportation information
All event attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to get to the start and finish areas as well as spectators traveling to various locations on the course.
For the most up-to-date travel information, visit the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) website at transitchicago.com and the Metra website at metra.com.
Where is… (toilets, Post-Race Party, etc.)?
Refer to the Grant Park map at the end of this document for all important locations. Please memorize these locations and use the map to provide directions to popular areas such as gear check tents, start corrals and the Post-Race Party.
Where can my friends/family see me on course?
There are multiple locations along the course where spectators can view the race, many of which are accessible either on foot or via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority trains and buses).
SECTION 5 | START CORRAL VOLUNTEERS START CORRAL VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The role of start corral volunteers is to regulate access into the start corrals and to control the forward progress of participants through the start corrals. Each volunteer is assigned to a specific corral. Within each corral, volunteers will be assigned by their corral supervisors to one of three positions.
• Sign holder: Hold tall corral signs to make each corral easily identifiable to participants.
• Gatekeeper: Stand at the corral entrance and verify that each participant entering has a valid bib number (i.e. the participant bib matches the corral).
• Rope holder: Form a line stretching from the east to the west side of Columbus Drive. Hold the yellow rope to create a barrier between corrals. At the direction of your corral supervisor, slowly move forward as the race starts.
POST-START ROLE
Once all participants have crossed the start line, each start corral volunteer will have a post-start role to complete before the end of their shift. Specific tasks will be assigned to each corral. This role could include any of the following tasks: assist with the start of a later corral, assist event staff with start line teardown, help to roll-up banners and fencing or pick up discarded clothing items on Columbus Drive. These items will be donated as part of the event’s sustainability initiative.
START CORRAL SETUP
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will feature a three wave start and start corral process to facilitate a smoother start to the race. Each participant’s start wave is determined by their start corral assignment. All participants have been assigned to one of the following start corrals: Wave 1 (red) – Wheelchair, Elite (white), A, B, C and D, Wave 2 (blue) – E, F, G and H and Walk Wave (green).
BIBS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You will likely interact with many race participants throughout your volunteer shift. Please do your best to answer any questions they might have. If you do not know how to answer a question, please direct the individual to a Grant Park Information Volunteer in an orange “Questions? Ask me” vest or to one of the information tents positioned throughout Grant Park.
Which start corral should I be in?
Check your bib. The letter listed before your event number indicates your start corral.
I lost my bib. What can I do?
Replacement bibs are not available, and you cannot access your start corral or the course without an official race bib. If you choose to participate without an official bib, you will be pulled off the race course when spotted without a valid race bib.
Can I run with a friend/change my corral?
No, you cannot move to another start corral, neither in front of nor behind your assigned corral. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the start corral system, the capacity of the corrals and to ensure a fluid race start for all participants.
I registered for the 2-Mile Walk; can I switch to the 8K Run?
No, participants who signed up for the 2-Mile Walk are not allowed to compete in the 8K Run.
I registered for the 8K Run; can I switch to the 2-Mile Walk?
Yes, participants who signed up for the 8K Run can opt to participate in the 2-Mile Walk at the back of Wave 2 instead of the run. Please note, the walk is an untimed event.
I signed up to have my bib number mailed to me but never received it, or I need to exchange my shirt. What should I do?
Please go to the Harrison Information Tent near the Blue Gear Check Tent. Volunteers there will be able to assist you. Refer to the map on page 10 for directions.
*Please note this service is only available to participants who paid to have their bib number mailed to them.
SECTION 6 | COURSE MARSHAL VOLUNTEERS COURSE MARSHAL VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPOSIBILITIES
The following has been agreed upon and discussed with the Chicago Police Department as the general responsibilities of course marshals at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.
PARTICIPANTS
Your primary objective along the 8K Run course is to keep the route clear of spectators and other hazards. The lead wheelchair athletes and elite men will be travelling at sub-five-minute mile pace (around 12 mph), which leaves little time for action or reaction once they are in your view. Please do all that you can to prevent people from crossing the route when the lead athletes are passing. Slower runners and walkers will certainly need your encouragement and support. They may need your advice too. This packet gives details of the nearest aid stations and additional oncourse runner amenities for participants.
RESOLVING ISSUES
A police officer will be stationed at most intersections throughout the 8K Run course route. Introduce yourself to the police officers as soon as you arrive and let them know you are volunteering as a course marshal. If you need help with an unreasonable person, contact the police officers for assistance.
The 8K Run course is broken down into three sectors. Creating sectors throughout the course allows the route to be managed more efficiently. The coordinator in your sector will be able to escalate any issues to Forward Command that cannot be resolved locally.
Course marshals along the 2-Mile Walk route are encouraged to call Forward Command (the phone number is located on the back of your credential) if you need help with an unreasonable person. If you encounter a medical emergency, call the medical emergency phone number located on the back of your credential.
SPECTATORS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle welcomes the support from local residents along the course on race day. Spectators wishing to cross the route should be encouraged to wait for a gap before crossing. In areas where the course is narrow and/or crowded, please remind spectators to stay on the sidewalk and outside of the course route. If spectators are stepping into the street, please respond by saying, “Help us make room for today’s participants by staying on the sidewalk and keeping the course clear.”
You should familiarize yourself with your area of the course. You are likely to be asked a number of questions by participants and spectators, such as:
When will the first and last runners pass this point?
Refer to the pace guide below.
Where are the nearest bathrooms?
Bathrooms are located at both aid stations. Refer to the course map in the last section of the document.
Where is the nearest medical tent?
Medical tents are located at both aid stations. Refer to the course map in the last section of the document. If there is a medical emergency, call the medical number on the back of your credential.
Where are the start and finish?
The start and finish are located in Grant Park.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
8K RUN COURSE ARRIVAL TIMES
2-MILE WALK COURSE ARRIVAL TIMES
COURSE TIME REQUIREMENT
Participants must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace for the 8K Run and a 30:00/mile pace for the 2-Mile Walk. Participants must complete the full event distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 1 hour and 15 minutes (hh:mm:ss/1:15:59) for the 8K Run and 1 hour (hh:mm:ss/1:00:59) for the 2-Mile Walk. Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. Runners who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers.
CLOCKS, MILE MARKERS AND TIMING MATS
Mile markers will be located at every mile for the 8K Run. A clock will be located at the 5K point for the 8K Run. Timing mats for the 8K Run will be at the start and finish lines. The 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event. Mile markers will be located at every mile.
AID STATIONS
Two on-course aid stations offer Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.
• Aid Station 1: Mile 1.6 (Wacker Drive and Clark Street)
• Aid Station 2: Mile 3.6 (Harrison Street and Wells Street)
The 2-Mile Walk will have one on-course aid station offering water and toilet facilities.
RACE RESULTS
Complete race results will be posted online at shamrockshuffle.com. Questions regarding race results should be emailed to results@shamrockshuffle.com.
8K RUN
WAVE 1
Elite start corral
Runners assigned to participating in the Deloitte Elite Club Competition and individuals assigned to the elite start corral will receive specific instructions on how to access the Deloitte Elite Club Tent in advance of the race.
A, B, C and D start corrals
Gear check color: Red
Start corrals open: 7 a.m.
Start corrals close: 8:20 a.m.*
Race start time: 8:30 a.m.
*If you are not in your start corral by 8:20 a.m., you must start at the back of Wave 1, Start Corral D. **Black arrows indicate directions to gear check. Green arrows indicate directions to start corrals.
Directions to gear check tent and start corrals
WAVE 2
E, F, G and H start corrals
Gear check color: Blue
Start corrals open: 7:30 a.m.
Start corrals close: 8:45 a.m.*
Race start time: 9 a.m.
*If you are not in your start corral by 8:45 a.m., you must start at the back of Wave 2, Start Corral H. **Black arrows indicate directions to gear check. Green arrows indicate directions to start corrals.
Directions to gear check tent and start corrals
2-MILE WALK WALK WAVE
Gear check color: Blue
Walk Wave participants will check their gear at the west side of the Blue Gear Check tent.
Start corrals open: 8:45 a.m.
Start corrals close: 9:15 a.m.
Walk start time: 9:30 a.m.
*Note the 2-Mile Walk shares the same start and finish lines as the 8K Run. The 2-Mile Walk begins after the last wave of runners.
**Black arrows indicate directions to gear check. Green arrows indicate directions to start corrals.
Directions to Walk Gear Check Tent and start corral