Burnaby Lake hosts the Shamrock ‘n Race on March 17th, 2024. Don your St. Patrick’s Day green for this annual Try Events fitness-friendly run in nature.
Try Events is the organization behind a number of great Metro Vancouver running events, including this one. Other runs in the series include the Boundary Bay Marathon, Fort Langley Historic Half, Hot Chocolate Run, Rubber Ducky Race, Vancouver Chilly Chase and Vancouver Historic Half.
(Note: In past years the start and finish of the race had been in the field by the Burnaby Rugby Club building. In 2023, however, because of construction in the area, the starting line was near the entrance to the park’s main parking lot.)
For full details about the Shamrock ‘n Race and to register for the run, visit the tryevents.ca website.
The Shamrock ‘N Race in 2024
The 18th annual Shamrock ‘n Race features 5-kilometre, 7-mile (11.3-kilometre) and half marathon (21.1-kilometre) races around Burnaby Lake Regional Park, a renowned metro Vancouver wildlife sanctuary.
Try Events participants who’ve participated in the Rubber Ducky Races will be familiar with the route as it too goes around Burnaby Lake. Nature lovers, walkers, joggers and runners of all fitness levels can partake in this fun event and enjoy the scenery, the St. Paddy’s vibe and feel good knowing their participation supports a worthy cause. Try Events’ Shamrock ‘n Race raises money for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver which is a great charitable organization.
Registration Prices and Starting Times
Registration for the Shamrock ‘n Race is online and costs to sign up vary depending on the race you select and when you register. Below are the fees for 2024.
- 5 km Walk, Jog, Run – $50 (until December 31st, 2023); $55 (January 1st to 31st, 2024); $60 (last chance, 2024); $65 (day of the event, March 17th, 2024)
- 7 mile (11.3 km) Jog, Run – $55 (until December 31st, 2023); $60 (January 1st to 31st, 2024); $65 (last chance, 2024); $70 (day of the event, March 17th, 2024)
- Half Marathon (21.1 km) – $65 (until December 31st, 2023); $70 (January 1st to 31st, 2024); $75 (last chance, 2024); $80 (day of the event, March 17th, 2024)
After the above dates, you can still sign up for the run on the day of the event for $5 more than the last posted price, provided that there is still space. To be safe though, and to save yourself a few dollars, it’s best to register as early as possible.
Race Schedule
Starting times vary depending on the race you select with a warm-up led by fitness instructors kicking off the races at 8:45 am. Then it’s time to hit the course and enjoy the atmosphere. Below was the schedule for the runs in 2023. The schedule for 2024’s race is likely to be similar.
- 9:00 am – Half Marathon (21.1-kilometre) start
- 9:03 am – 7-Mile (11.3-kilometre)
- 9:06 am – 5-kilometre
- 12:00 pm – Course closes
For full details about the Shamrock ‘n Race and to register for the run, visit the tryevents.ca website.
Race Package Pick-Up
Participants in the race in 2023 could collect their race packages at FitFirst Footwear in the Christine Sinclair Community Centre at #1005 – 3713 Kensington Avenue in Burnaby at the following times:
- Friday, March 10th, 2023, between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
- Saturday, March 11th, 2023, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Package pick-up will likely be similar in time and location in 2024.
Race packages can also be collected on the day of the race for a $5 donation. If choosing this option, arrive at least 45 minutes early on the day of the race and go to the Try Events table to collect your package.
Note: When you pick up your race package be sure to bring a bag along to put things in. The Shamrock ‘n Race strives to be a zero-waste event. For this reason, you’ll receive the contents of your package, but not a bag to put them in.
As part of the race package, you’ll receive a timing tag which you can attach to your shoes. The tag records your time and must only be removed after you cross the finish line. Be sure to return the tag to Try Events though or you’ll be charged a $40 fee, at least, that was the case in 2023. (If you forget to hand it in on the day, however, you can also mail it in.)
Pre-registered participants also receive custom Shamrock ‘n Race mismatch socks, and for everyone crossing the finish line for all distances, there is a finisher’s medal. A light snack is also offered afterwards to re-energize.
Other Information
To learn more about the Shamrock ‘n Race and to register for the run, visit the tryevents.ca website.
To learn about other runs in the series check out the following:
- Vancouver Chilly Chase (in January)
- Fort Langley Historic Half (in February)
- Hot Chocolate Run (in March)
- Rubber Ducky Race (in October)
- Boundary Bay Marathon (in November)
- Vancouver Historic Half (in November)
- Vancouver Try Events Runs
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- The City of Burnaby
- Burnaby Lake Regional Park
- Vancouver Marathons and Races
- Outdoor Recreation in Vancouver
- Lower Mainland Parks and Nature
- March Calendar of Events
- St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver
The author of this article is Elena Kyriacou.
