Feeling Lucky? Portland’s Shamrock Run Fest is again

Feeling Lucky? Portland’s Shamrock Run Fest is again

Published 4:30 am Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Every spring, hundreds of runners lace up and switch downtown inexperienced for one in every of Portland’s most recognizable traditions: the Shamrock Half Marathon Run Fest.

Now in its forty seventh 12 months, the annual race returns to the waterfront this month with greater than 19,000 contributors anticipated to participate within the 2026 occasion. Founded in 1979, the celebration has grown into Portland’s largest working occasion, combining a full weekend of races with a vigorous St. Patrick’s Day–impressed pageant ambiance.

A race for each sort of runner

Race weekend facilities round Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the place the half marathon begins and ends whereas winding by means of central Portland alongside a course recognized for its mixture of metropolis views and mild hills.

But the Shamrock Run Fest isn’t only for half marathoners. The occasion affords a number of distances designed for runners and walkers of all ranges, together with:

• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 8K (4.9 miles)
• 5K (3.1 miles)
• Stride Walk (3.4 miles)
• Doernbecher Leprechaun Lap children run (0.4 miles)

The Shamrock 5K usually attracts the largest crowd, welcoming hundreds of runners and joggers every year. Meanwhile, the quick and flat Shamrock Showdown 8K provides a aggressive edge — with prime finishers incomes the famously Portland prize of their weight in beer.

For those that choose a festive stroll, the Shamrock Stride Walk has turn out to be its personal custom, recognized for contributors who present up in full St. Patrick’s Day costumes.

Young runners additionally get their second on the Doernbecher Leprechaun Lap, the place children obtain a medal that includes art work created by 13-year-old Maddie, a former affected person at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

More than a race

Beyond the miles, the Shamrock Run Fest is designed as a full celebration of Portland’s working tradition. In partnership with Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, the end line transitions right into a post-race get together that includes reside Irish music, craft beer and a festive St. Patrick’s Day scene.

The race additionally companions with Portland Track, a nonprofit that works with native run golf equipment and groups to arrange race-weekend activations and assist strengthen town’s working neighborhood.

Giving again to Portland households

The occasion has additionally turn out to be a serious fundraiser for native causes. This 12 months, donations will profit the Child Life Program at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which helps pediatric sufferers and their households throughout hospital stays.

Since its founding, the Shamrock Run Fest has donated greater than $850,000 to the hospital.

Another initiative, SheRock, launched in 2024 to encourage women’ participation in working. Proceeds assist three Oregon nonprofits: She Flies, Girls on the Run and Wildwood Running, all targeted on empowering women and younger athletes by means of sports activities.

Greener race weekend

Organizers stated they’re additionally increasing sustainability efforts for this 12 months’s occasion. Race weekend will function eco-friendly supplies, improved recycling applications and different initiatives designed to cut back the occasion’s environmental footprint whereas persevering with to have fun Portland.

IF YOU GO

What: 2026 Shamrock Run Fest

When: Sunday, March 15

Where: Southwest Naito Parkway and Pine Street

For extra data, and to register, go to shamrockrun.com.