Shamrock 'n Race in Burnaby

Burnaby Lake hosts the Shamrock‘n Race in mid-March. 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.

In 2026 the Shamrock’n Race takes place on Sunday, March 15th.

Visit tryevents.ca for the event’s official website.

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

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

The Shamrock‘n Race in 2026

Celebrating its 20th year in 2026, the 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. This year the run takes place on Sunday, March 15th (so two days before 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 take part in this fun event and enjoy the scenery, the St. Paddy’s vibe, and also feel good knowing their participation supports a worthy cause.

Try Events’ Shamrock’n Race raises money for a charity. In 2026 the charitable beneficiary is Ronald McDonald House of BC/Yukon which is a great charitable organization.

Visit the tryevents.ca website for full details about the Shamrock’n Race and to register for the run.

Shamrock 'n Race Runners

Registration Dates and Prices

Registration for the Shamrock’n Race is available online. The cost to sign up varies depending on the race you select and when you register. Below are the fees for 2026.

5-km Walk, Jog, Run – $60 (until December 31st, 2025); $65 (until January 31st, 2026); $70 (last chance, 2026)
7-mile (11.3 km) Jog, Run – $65 (until December 31st, 2025); $70 (until January 31st, 2026); $75 (last chance, 2026)
Half Marathon (21.1 km) – $86 (until December 31st, 2025); $97 (until January 31st, 2026); $108 (last chance, 2026)

You can still sign up for the run on the day of the event for $10 more than the last posted price above, 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 at Burnaby Lake

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 2026.

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

The start and finish of the race take place in the field by the playground, not far from the Burnaby Rugby Club building. The awards presentations take place soon after the last of the top three runners cross the finish line in the three race distance categories.

Visit the tryevents.ca website for full details about the Shamrock’n Race and to register for the run.

Try Events Running Races

Race Package Pick-Up

Participants in the race in 2026 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 13th, between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Saturday, March 14th, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Race packages can also be collected on the day of the race for a $10 (cash only) fee. 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.)

Preregistered 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.