The Virginia Beach Boardwalk turns into a sea of green every third weekend in March as runners from near and far cross the finish line for J&A Racing’s annual Yuengling Shamrock Marathon .
The St. Patrick’s Day tradition includes a 26.2-mile marathon and a half-marathon, an 8K, kids’ one-mile race, fitness expo and a host of activities for runners and onlookers. More than 20,000 runners and spectators from all 50 states and 16 countries came out to the 52nd annual event March 15-17, bringing in $22 million in economic impact to the city, the organizers said.
“We’re so blessed to have the communities that come out to cheer on the runners — the entire city gets behind it,” organizer Amy Frostick said of the Shamrock. “I feel like everybody deserves a medal that weekend.”
Nancy Helman, director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a news release that the city is grateful for J&A Racing’s partnership.
“They produce events throughout the year that boost not only the city’s economy, but spirit, too,” she said.