Shamrock 'n Race in Burnaby

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, Rubber Ducky Race, Vancouver Chilly Chase and Vancouver Historic Half. There is also the Vancouver Chocolate Run which happened on March 2nd in 2024.

For the event’s official website, visit tryevents.ca.

This article contains the following information about the Shamrock ‘n Race:

Registration Dates & Prices | Race Schedule | Package Pick-Up | Other Information

The Shamrock ‘N Race in 2024

The 18th annual Shamrock ‘n Race features 5 km, 7 mile (11.3 km) and half marathon (21.1 km) races around Burnaby Lake Regional Park, a renowned metro Vancouver wildlife sanctuary. In 2024 the run takes place on Sunday, March 17th (i.e., on St. Patrick’s Day).

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.

For full details about the Shamrock ‘n Race and to register for the run, visit the tryevents.ca website.

Registration Dates &Prices

Registration for the Shamrock ‘n Race is online. 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 Dec. 31st, 2023); $55 (Jan. 1st to Feb. 4th, 2024); $60 (last chance, 2024)
7 mile (11.3 km) Jog, Run – $55 (until Dec. 31st, 2023); $60 (Jan. 1st to Feb. 4th, 2024); $65 (last chance, 2024)
Half Marathon (21.1 km) – $65 (until Dec. 31st, 2023); $70 (Jan. 1st to Feb. 4th, 2024); $75 (last chance, 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.

Shamrock 'n Race Runners

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 is the schedule for the runs in 2024.

9:00 am – Half Marathon (21.1 km) start
9:03 am – 7-Mile (11.3 km)
9:06 am – 5 km
12:00 pm – Course closes

(Note: In past years the start and finish of the race had been in the field by the Burnaby Rugby Club building. Last year, however, because of construction in the area, the starting line was near the entrance to the park’s main parking lot. In 2024, the start and finish location is in the same place, near the intersection of Joe Sakic Way & Sperling Avenue.

For full details about the Shamrock ‘n Race and to register for the run, visit the tryevents.ca website.

Try Events Running Races

Race Package Pick-Up

Participants in the race in 2024 can 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 15th, 2024, between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Saturday, March 16th, 2024, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Race packages can also be collected on the day of the race for a $5 (cash only) donation (with funds benefiting the race’s charitable partner). 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. (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.

Shamrock 'n Race at Burnaby Lake