Not even sure where to begin with this race! The 2019 Shamrock Run was basically perfect. I ran the Half, which is definitely challenging to with all the hills, but it's a very fair course meaning for all the up you are treated to lots of long downhill sections. So while you do slow down going up, you get a lot of that back on the downs. Weather was blue skies, sunny and about 50 degrees at the race start. Perfect!

Expo and packet pick up were a breeze - they have dynamic bib assignment so they just scan your QR code and assign you a bib in real time - no lining up according to numbers. I was worried about corral assignments because with this method the race can't really assign corrals, but self seeding was totally painless and I was able to walk up to the front of the race about 5 minutes before the start.

Race merch was SOOO good - I never, every buy race stuff (it never fits or just doesn't look good) but the gear store for Shamrock Run was so fly. Jess and I spent $75 just on the race gear!! Medal and t-shirt were also outstanding (pic below for the medal).

Post race party was off the charts. The headliner is one of my favorite bands - Coming Up Threes - a local Irish band that just jams, and they kept the party going from 8am until 1pm. The beer was flowing, free (and tasty) lentil soup from Bob's Redmill, people were dancing, the sun was shining, venders were offering a ton of giveaways (so many nutrition bars!) - it was just a blast.

Portland Shamrock Run definitely lived up to it's reputation as the city's marquee event and it's clearly a well-earned moniker. Anyone considering this race should give it a try - challenging, rewarding, beautiful, and FUN!