Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Registration for the 6th Annual Shamrock’n Half Marathon and Two Person Relay has closed. The race reached capacity in early February. Although we understand there are many more people that would like to participate, our event clearance with the City of Sacramento and West Sacramento limits us to the number of runners that are allowed to participate. This permit also effects the duration of the closure of the Tower Bridge, street closures, city staff needed for the closures etc. There is no race day registration. There is no waiting list. You get the picture--we’re full.
How many participants run the Shamrock’n Half Marathon and Two Person Relay?
- 4,800 participants in the Half Marathon
- 400 Two Person Teams in the Relay
- 5,600 Runners Total
I am injured and/or cannot take part in the event. Can I get a refund, donate my entry, transfer my entry to someone else or defer it to 2011?
No. Per our official event rules and guidelines: Sale and/or transfer of race entry/bib is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable and may not be deferred toward a future event.
When is Packet Pick-Up?
Packet Pick-Up: Dates & Times
- Thursday March 11 10 am to 7 pm Fleet Feet Sports 2311 J Street
- Friday March 12 10 am to 7 pm Fleet Feet Sports
- Saturday March 13 10 am to 6 pm Fleet Feet Sports
- Race Morning March 14 6:45 am Raley Field
Race Day Parking
Don’t be a statistic. Every year we hear stories of runners that miss their start time because they get caught in traffic, plan on arriving at Raley Field by 6:30 am. We know it’s early but you’ll have a great parking spot and you won’t miss your start! (Remember daylight savings begins at midnight. Set your clock forward one hour Saturday night.)
Is the Shamrock’n Half Marathon walker-friendly?
Yes, however all participants must complete the course in the event time requirement (4 hours from the Wave 3 start). Course will re-open at 12:20 pm.
What is a wave start?
In an effort to ease congestion and improve the flow of runners across the Tower Bridge, the race features wave starts. Simply put, a wave start consists of staggered starts of groups instead of one giant start for all participants.
Runners are placed in “waves” consisting of participants of a similar pace. Each wave has its own start with a short “time cushion” between each wave. In short, we hope the wave start creates a safer, more enjoyable experience for all participants.
Start Time Wave Pace
- Wave 1: 8:00 am - Under 9:10 min. per mile.
- All runners of first leg of the relay.
- Wave 2: 8:10 am - Between 9:11 and 11:00 min. per mile.
- Wave 3: 8:20 - Runners and walkers expecting to average above 11:00 min. per mile.
Wave Start Corrals
The corral system assures a smooth start. The Wave 2 and Wave 3 runners will be staged into start corrals in the Lot A parking lot close to the start line; just line up at the corral with the balloon towers that are the same color as your race bib. We’ll call your wave to the start line.
How long is the course open?
Participants have 4 hours from the Wave 3 start (8:20 am) to complete the half marathon course. This is established at a 18 min/mile pace. The course has a rolling street closure. If you fall behind this pace, the roads will be reopened to normal traffic and you will be a pedestrian and subject to normal traffic rules. The finish line will remain open until Noon.
Where is the start line located?
The start line is located on Riske Ln. just West of the Raley Field main entrance.
WHERE ARE THE FLUID STATIONS LOCATED?
All fluid stations will be stocked with water and PowerBar Endurance sport drink. Fluid will be provided at 7 stations along the course as follows:
- Station 1 - Mile 2.4
- Station 2 - Mile 4.4
- Station 3 - Mile 5.8
- Station 4 - Mile 7.3
- Station 5 - Mile 8.9
- Station 6 - Mile 10.4
- Station 7 - Mile 11.8
- Finish - Mile 13.1
Do you offer Pace Teams for the Half Marathon?
Yes. The pace groups will be led by a member of the Fleet Feet Racing Team. You will be able to identify them by their bright yellow singlets. They will also be carrying a green pace sign with the corresponding pace finish time. The Fleet Feet Pace Groups will help you not only achieve your goals, but have FUN, whether the goal is a personal record, or simply to cross the finish line! Our pacers are extremely experienced runners, chosen based upon their previous running and/or pacing performances and know what it takes to hold a steady pace and give you a great half marathon experience - dynamic and personable, and dedicated to making sure you have a great time on the course!
Pace groups have been established for the following half marathon finish times:
1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30
If you would like to take the guess work out of your finish time join a pace group. There is no sign-up, just follow the corresponding pace group on race morning at your wave start.
Is there a Sweat Check?
Yes. Before you enter your corral, drop-off your pre-race/post-race clothing and belongings at the Sweat Check located at the front entrance to Raley Field.
You must show your race number to pick up your items. Although this area is secure, we want to remind you not to place any valuable items (keys, wallets, cell phones, pagers, watches) in your bag. While our volunteers will do their best, we cannot be held responsible for lost items.
To iPod or not to iPod ?
Participants wearing headphones are less aware of their surroundings and may not be aware of (1) starting line announcements; (2) instructions on the course from race management, volunteers and police officers; (3) warnings that a car is in the immediate vicinity or that participants have strayed off course (an example would be running on the wrong side of a coned line when the other side is open to traffic); (4) friendly warnings from another participant that is approaching to pass; (5) finish line/chute announcements; and (6) directions in the recovery area. Basically, when you can’t hear what is going on around you, you lose one of your most valuable senses—at a time when you need all of your senses working. Even if a participant is cognizant or their surroundings and “wants” to be aware, the inability to hear clearly is a significant risk factor that cannot be ignored. Event personnel must be able to communicate with participants before, during and after the race.
Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes, USA Track & Field recently amended the ban on headphones, iPods, etc. Only athletes competing in Championship races for awards, medals or prize money may not use electronic devices. Please keep in mind you are less aware of your surroundings if you choose to run with an iPod.
What is NOT allowed on the course?
Dogs, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles are not allowed on the course.
Are food and beverages available at the end of the race?
Upon finishing volunteers will give you a bottle of water and a food ticket. The food ticket can be redeemed on the concourse for a bag o’goodies filled with fruit, cookies, pretzels and almonds. Raley Field will also have BBQ options available for purchase.
Celebrate your Shamrock’n finish over a cold beer. The concessionaire will be serving beer on tap.
Results
Complete race results will be posted online race day.
Medals
All finishers of the Half Marathon & 2-Person Relay will receive a Shamrock’n finisher’s medal. Relay Medals-Finishers of the first leg will receive their medal at the Exchange Zone. The runner of leg two will receive their medal when they cross the finish line at Raley Field
Awards
Half Marathon Award Divisions
Awards to the top three male and female half-marathon finishers in each age division: 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-over.
Half Marathon Relay Awards
Awards to the top three teams in each relay division: All Male, All Female & Co-ed.








