The Shamrock Shuffle is always seen as the beginning of race season again in Chicagoland. This year was no exception, though I wish the weather would have cooperated more!

It's a huge race - boasting itself as "the world's largest (street race) 8k". Pre-race organization and the massive amounts of people remind me a lot of the Chicago Marathon in the fall.

The good stuff:
+ The thing I like most about the Shamrock Shuffle is how approachable it is. It gives you a big race feeling for a 5 mile run. I think it's a great race to convince your runner friends and more hesitant "non"-runner friends to join in on.
+ The entry fee is minimal compared to most Chicago street races and the swag and race day experience is well worth the cost (this year they gave out neck gaiters along with the tshirts, you guys).
+ This race is really well organized for the overwhelming amount of participants. I like the wave starts - it seemed to keep everything running smoothly.
+ Lots of downtown running action - I think this is especially great for out of town runners to feel like they are actually running through the city as opposed to a lakefront path run. The course begins on a similar route as the Chicago marathon (makes me nostalgic! But thankfully is much, much shorter!)

Things that I wish could improve:
- I understand that the race itself is HUGE, but I really wish that the expo wasn't at McCormick place for just an 8k. This year it took me 4 HOURS (not even kidding) round trip to just get there and pick up my packet and get back home. I live in the city. It should not take 4 hours for that. (I'm getting heated thinking about it. Breathe... breathe...)
- Michelob Ultra. (No offense to Michelob Ultra fans).