March 20, 2022- Virginia Beach, Virginia- The sun was shining in Virginia Beach as 25,000 runners celebrated the Golden Year of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon weekend. The energy from everyone involved from the runners, volunteers, to the poster carrying cheerleaders on the sidelines was felt miles away. There is no doubt that participants were thrilled to be back getting some miles logged in Virginia Beach.
The weekend was filled with festivity, as locals and visitors alike enjoyed a special weekend catered to them. Local businesses rolled out the ‘Green Carpet’ to welcome participants back to in-person racing, and the spirit of Shamrock was felt throughout the oceanfront.
The weekend kicked off with a ribbon cutting to mark the start of the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, followed by packet pick up which included vendors from all over the US. Saturday began with the TowneBank Shamrock 8K. David Gregory of Virginia Beach crossed the finish line as the First Place Male with a time of 25:21. Julianne Quinn of Charlottesville broke the tape as the First Place Female with a time of 29:13. Upon completion of the 8K distance the day shifted toward events for children. Both the Leprechaun Dash and the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile brought tons of energy to the beach, and the children were thrilled to have a grand finish by King Neptune.
The Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon and the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon both took place on Sunday, drawing the community out to encourage participants as they made their way through the scenic course, highlighting historic landmarks and supportive neighborhoods.
For the Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon, Harrison Toney of Richmond was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 1:06:43. Kate Sanborn of Raleigh, North Carolina was the First Place Female with a finish time of 1:13:29.
For the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, Luke Rovenstine of Reading, Pennsylvania was the first to break the tape with a finish time of 2:25:58. Catherine Medvene of Washington, DC was the First Place Female with a finish time of 2:49:34.
In attendance to celebrate 50 years and to welcome runners back to the start line were many local and state dignitaries including Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne, former Governor George Allen, Attorney General Jason Miyares and Mayor Bob Dyer. Additionally the founder of Shamrock, Jerry Bocrie participated in the weekend festivities, celebrating a vision that started 50 years ago.
“We could not have had a better weekend to celebrate 50 years,” said Jerry Frostick, race director and co-owner of J&A Racing. “To see the sunshine, smiles and joy that this event brought to thousands of participants- that is what it is all about. We have been patiently waiting for this weekend to arrive, so to be treated to amazing weather, incredible community support and partnerships that have grown to friendships, it really was the perfect way to celebrate our Golden year.”
As the sun sets on another stellar Shamrock Weekend, plans for Shamrock Weekend 2023 are already in motion. Runners should mark their calendars for March 17-19, 2023. Registration for next year’s event can be found at www.shamrockmarathon.com.
About J&A Racing
J&A Racing is a nationally recognized race management company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a portfolio of seven events, J&A Racing’s mission is to promote and support healthy lifestyles and the sport of running through all stages of life. Since 2003 when J&A Racing owners, Amy and Jerry Frostick, took over the Shamrock Sportsfest, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend has become one of the most popular running events in the country growing from 3,000 participants to a record 30,000 in 2015. Additionally, J&A Racing organizes the Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K; the MSP Design Group Big Blue 5K; the BayPort Credit Union Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler; the BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon & 5K; the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, 10K & We Promise Foundation Norfolk Harbor 5K; and the ADP Corporate 5K. For more information on J&A Racing’s events, visit jandaracing.com.
