FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many participants run the Shamrock’n Half Marathon?

6,500 participants in the Half Marathon

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 2013?

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?

Thursday, March 8 - 10 am to 7 pm (Fleet Feet Sports, 2311 J Street)
Friday, March 9 - 10 am to 7 pm (Fleet Feet Sports, 2311 J Street)
Saturday, March 10 - 10 am to 6 pm (Fleet Feet Sports, 2311 J Street)
Race Day 6:30 to 7:45 am - Raley Field

Race Day Parking

Parking Garages within Walking Distance: www.shamrocknhalf.com/parking

Don’t be a statistic. Every year we hear stories of runners that miss their start time because they get caught in traffic, IF you plan on parking at Raley Field arrive by 6:15 am. We know it’s early but you’ll have time to find a 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 4 start). Course will re-open at 12:30 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.

Can I switch waves?

Yes.  But only at packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sacramento March 8 through 10.

How long is the course open?

Participants have 4 hours from the Wave 4 start (8:30 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 12:30 pm.

Wave Start Corrals

The corral system assures a smooth start. The Wave 2, Wave 3, and Wave 4 runners will be staged into start corrals; 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.

What time does the race start?

Wave 1 will start at precisely 7:45 a.m., followed by Wave 2 at 8:00 a.m., followed by Wave 3 at 8:15 a.m, and then Wave 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Where is the start line located?

At Raley Field in West Sacramento.

Where are the fluid stations located?

All fluid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade G Series sport drink. Fluid will be provided at 5 stations along the course as follows:
Station 1 - Mile 3
Station 2 - Mile 5
Station 3 - Mile 7.4
Station 4 - Mile 9.5
Station 5 - Mile 10.7
Finish - Mile 13.1

Do you offer Pace Teams for the Half Marathon?

Yes. You will be able to identify them by their bright green shirts that say PACER on them. 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.  Meet the pacers at: http://www.shamrocknhalf.com/pacing-teams

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, watches, etc.) 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. All finishers will also receive a bag o’goodies filled with fruit, cookies, pretzels and almonds on the concourse. Raley Field will also have BBQ options available for purchase. One free Killian's Irish Red beer to all race participants over the age of 21.
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 will receive a Shamrock’n finisher’s medal.

Half Marathon Award Divisions

Awards to the top three male and female half-marathon finishers in each age division: 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-over.

Any other questions

Contact us at raceinfo@fleetfeetsacramento.com